UK Faces NATO Pressure to Boost Defence Spending to 35% GDP by 2035

Britain is under mounting pressure to significantly increase its defence spending as NATO allies push for a higher commitment in the face of escalating global security challenges. The UK is projected to raise its defence expenditure to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, following demands by NATO that member states strengthen their military capabilities. Currently, Britain spends approximately 2.3% of GDP on defence, with 0.2% allocated to intelligence and other non-classified defence ventures. However, under NATO’s revised approach, these allocations will no longer qualify as part of the total defence budget.

According to Ministry of Defence sources, the heightened target is likely to be confirmed during an upcoming NATO summit. This new benchmark aligns with efforts led by the United States to ensure alliance members enhance collective security measures. Senior figures warn that meeting this expanded objective will require significant fiscal adjustments, including increased government spending and potential tax rises. Economists have forecast that reaching 3.5% could add £40 billion annually to Britain’s defence budget compared to maintaining a rate of 2.5% in the same timeframe.

Labour Party leadership has been vocal about its hesitation to commit to higher spending without a concrete funding strategy. While Labour states that it plans to allocate 2.5% of GDP to defence by April 2027, any ambition beyond this target remains contingent on broader economic considerations. Shadow defence secretary John Healey has defended the government’s stance, emphasizing that responsible fiscal planning must accompany any large-scale increases to military budgets.

Despite this cautious approach, certain voices within NATO have argued that the UK must accelerate its plans. Allies such as Denmark and Lithuania have called for earlier spending commitments, noting that delays to meeting the 3.5% target could undermine collective responses to threats posed by adversarial states. NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte has reportedly reached an agreement with the US administration to prioritise the defence funding agenda across the alliance.

Domestically, former military leaders and strategists have expressed concerns about Britain’s future role in NATO operations. General Sir Patrick Sanders, former head of the army, has warned that failure to make swift progress could signal a lack of seriousness about national security. He described the recently published strategic defence review as lacking urgency, a view echoed by other senior figures.

The government’s plans include growing the UK Armed Forces, investing in new technologies such as drones, and expanding cadet and reserve units. However, gaps remain in detailing how these initiatives will be funded. Economists suggest that bold measures such as raising income tax revenue by 10% may be required. The forthcoming NATO summit will serve as a critical juncture where Britain must either recommit firmly to its leadership within the alliance or risk losing influence in NATO’s long-term strategic planning.