UK Defence Spending Debate Intensifies Amid Global Tensions

Calls for increased investment to 3% of GDP come as former defence secretaries and ministers highlight the need to deter threats and address funding gaps.

Former Tory defence secretaries and current ministers call for increased UK defence spending amid rising global tensions.
Rishi Sunak faces pressure to commit to a 3% GDP defence spending target in the election manifesto, above the current 2.2% and planned 2.5%.
The call for increased spending is motivated by the need to deter threats from Russia and China, and to fill a reported £29 billion funding gap for the Armed Forces.
Critics argue that simply raising spending is not enough; the UK must also overhaul its defence procurement process.
The debate intensifies as the general election approaches, with no clear commitment from major political parties to meet the 3% target.