Why did it take Rishi Sunak so long to up defence spending?
Spectator (UK)APR 27 2024
UK PM Promises to Boost UK Defence Spending to 2.5% by 2030
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The Facts
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will increase its defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, up from a 2023 rate of 2.07%.
Speaking at a press conference in Poland with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Sunak claimed that the announcement was a "turning point for European security" as well as a "landmark moment" for UK defense.
The UK has stated that it will spend a cumulative addition of £75B ($93.4B) on defense over a period of six years, with Sunak saying the investment would place the UK "on a war footing." The 2.5% target was first set by former prime minister Boris Johnson in 2022.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Increased defense spending will solidify the UK's presence as a major global military power. European and British security is synonymous, and the UK's army continues to maintain its long history of stepping up when asked. The UK will continue to ensure that its citizens, NATO, and the world remain safe from the threats posed by Russia among many others.
Establishment-critical narrative
Increased spending is not a solution if economic mismanagement is the problem. It is likely that increased funds will come directly from further cuts to vital UK sectors such as health, education, and welfare. If the UK wants to improve its military capacity, it must firstly address the structural issues that continue to cripple the country.
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