The government has today set Britain on a path to spend tens of billions more on the military – while cutting welfare support for some of the most vulnerable in our society and slashing the international development budget. It is a good day for those who profit from death and destruction as the arms industry has received a blank cheque.
Global military spending is at record levels – latest figures show $2.7 trillion for 2024. Today’s announcement from the UK contributes to the current spending race – diverting vital funds from tackling climate breakdown while increasing the risk of global war.
It had already been announced that the UK would reach 2.5% of GDP on the military by 2027, but today John Healy, the Defence Secretary said there is “no doubt” that the figure will reach 3% of GDP by the end of the next Parliament. This would require tens of billions pounds more over the coming years, as yet totally unfunded. This will inevitably lead to further cuts in public services which are already crumbling after more than a decade of under-investment. The NATO summit this month will aim to impose a target of 5% of GDP to be spent on the military.
Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Johnson warned that the plans announced today make “chunky tax increases” more likely. Green Party Defence Spokesperson Ellie Chowns MP said “Security is not just based on arms expenditure and threats, but on real leadership that uses diplomacy and development too. There must be a real commitment to an international order based on human rights, equality and genuine cooperation.”
Labour is already spending billions of pounds more on the military than the Conservatives – most of which will disappear into the black holes of procurement and the Trident nuclear weapons system. The government’s priority should instead be investing in peace building efforts globally, including ending the genocide in Gaza, while investing in socially productive projects at home.
