Conservatives press Healey for plan to reach 3% defence spending by 2030

John Healey is facing pressure from Conservative politicians to set out how the Government will raise defence spending, after reportedly planning only an initial funding boost in next week’s Budget. Tory figures say he should meet the 3 per cent of GDP target by 2030 that he previously argued was essential, while Healey is reportedly expected to wait until next year’s spending review to publish a timetable.

A Savanta poll found 44 per cent support cutting welfare to fund defence, while 34 per cent oppose it. Support was higher for reducing foreign aid, at 63 per cent, but most respondents opposed raising taxes, borrowing more or cutting public services. The Government is also expected to explain how it will address a £4.7 billion shortfall in current defence plans; the article says it is not expected to set out a path to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030.