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.
In short
- Tories demand a plan to reach 3 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030.
- 44 per cent support welfare cuts to fund higher defence spending.
- The Budget is expected to address a £4.7 billion defence funding gap.
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The case for
Setting out a firm path to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030 would give the armed forces and defence industry greater certainty to plan, and could strengthen deterrence amid security risks. Conservatives can argue that Healey himself previously described the target as essential, and that delaying a timetable leaves questions about how the Government will close the existing funding shortfall.
The case against
A timetable without a clear, sustainable way to pay for it could force damaging choices between defence, welfare, public services, tax rises and borrowing. The Government can argue that it should assess competing demands through the spending review before committing to a long-term target, while using the Budget to address immediate funding needs.
Explained simply
Defence spending covers the money the Government uses for the armed forces, equipment and related support. It is often compared with gross domestic product (GDP), the total value of goods and services produced in the UK, to show how much of the economy is being spent on defence.
John Healey is the Defence Secretary, responsible for the Government’s defence plans. The Conservatives are the main opposition party; some of their politicians want a timetable for reaching defence spending of 3 per cent of GDP by 2030, a level Healey has previously said was essential.
A higher defence budget would need to be paid for through choices such as reallocating public money, raising taxes or borrowing. Polling suggests people differ over which options they support, while the reported gap in existing defence plans raises questions about how current commitments will be funded.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Tories urge Healey to hit defence spending targets”.