Reeves says no, leaving Britain weak as Defence Bill looms

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rejected calls to increase defence spending, despite warnings of a potential £28 billion shortfall over the next few years.

The decision comes amid mounting pressure from military leaders and analysts, who say that the UK needs to accelerate investment to keep pace with global threats, particularly in Europe.

Defence chiefs have repeatedly stressed the importance of increasing the budget to meet NATO commitments and modernise the armed forces.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, head of the UK armed forces, has previously warned that “a step change in defence and security is essential to confront the challenges posed by Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine.”

Putin warned NATO will ‘bring the war to Russia’

UK security services are hunting Russian agents on home soil

Why the Kremlin is trapped in Ukraine

BAE Systems smashes records as defence spending soars

However, Treasury officials, led by Reeves, are cautious about any further increase in defence spending, citing concerns over the impact on the public finances and other priorities such as health, education, and social welfare.

A government spokesperson said, “We are committed to meeting NATO targets and maintaining a strong defence, but we must balance our national security needs with fiscal responsibility.”

Critics have slammed the decision, arguing that delaying investment could leave the UK ill-prepared for emerging threats, particularly as Russia re-arms and tensions in Eastern Europe remain high.

With the next general election on the horizon, the debate over defence funding is expected to intensify, as opposition parties and military leaders push for a bolder, faster approach to safeguarding the nation.

Previously the NATO chief Mark Rutte has told member states to raise their defence from 2% GDP or start taking a “Russian language course.”

NATO’s Secretary General jokingly told the European Parliament that allies they must spend more on defence warning that if “we don’t” we will not be safe within “four or five years.”

Rutte said, “Everything I’m seeing at this moment is not nearly enough, and if we don’t do it (raise the spending targets) we are safe now but not in four or five years.

“So if you don’t do it, get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand.

“Or decide now to spend more, and that’s exactly the debate we have to finalize over the next three or four months, to stay safe in this part of the world.”