Cabinet ministers have been instructed to identify potential spending cuts across their departments to help finance a significant increase in the UK's defence budget, according to government sources. The move comes as the government seeks to meet NATO's target of spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, a commitment reaffirmed by the Prime Minister.
Pressure to Boost Military Spending
The request, issued by the Treasury, asks all departments to review their budgets and propose savings that could be redirected to defence. This follows increasing pressure from within the Conservative Party and military leaders to enhance capabilities in response to global threats, particularly from Russia and China.
Defence spending currently stands at around 2.3% of GDP, but ministers have pledged to reach 2.5% within the next few years. The additional funding is needed to modernise equipment, increase troop numbers, and invest in cyber and space defence.
Departments Face Tough Choices
Whitehall sources indicate that departments such as Health, Education, and Transport are being asked to find efficiencies and cut low-priority programmes. The Treasury has not specified a total savings target, but estimates suggest that billions of pounds will need to be reallocated.
One senior minister said: "This is a challenging exercise, but we are committed to strengthening our national security. Every department will have to contribute, and we will ensure that frontline services are protected as much as possible."
Reactions and Concerns
Opposition parties have criticised the approach, arguing that it could lead to cuts in essential public services. Labour's shadow defence secretary said: "The government should be honest about the cost of its ambitions. Instead of raiding other budgets, they should consider a proper review of taxation and spending priorities."
Some Conservative backbenchers have welcomed the focus on defence, but warn against cutting too deeply into domestic programmes. The Prime Minister's spokesperson said: "We are committed to both fiscal responsibility and national security. This process will ensure we deliver on our NATO commitments without compromising our economic stability."
The Treasury is expected to review the proposals in the coming weeks, with an announcement on the defence budget likely in the autumn statement.
