In a scathing critique of the Treasury's priorities, former Defence Secretary John Healey has accused the department of blocking vital investment in Britain's military capabilities, leaving the nation vulnerable to global security threats. At the heart of the controversy is the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which aims to boost defence spending to £15bn by the end of the decade. However, a closer examination of the plan reveals that it falls woefully short of meeting the UK's Nato commitments – a pledge made in 2022 to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on 'core defence' by 2030.
The Treasury's stance on defence spending has been condemned by Healey, who believes that investing in Britain's military is not only essential for national security but also a key driver of economic growth. As part of Nato, the UK has committed to increasing its defence spending to meet the alliance's 2% target, which would require an additional £4.7bn in the next budget. However, the latest DIP suggests that the government is expecting to spend only 2.68% of GDP on core defence by 2030 – a shortfall of nearly 1%.
Healey's resignation from the cabinet role was seen as one of the final nails in the coffin of outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, and his comments have reignited concerns about the government's commitment to defence spending. The Defence Secretary has warned that without significant investment, the UK risks falling behind its Nato partners, jeopardising national security and undermining economic growth.