Former General Warns Against Delays in UK Defence Spending Increases

General Sir Richard Barrons has raised alarms regarding the timing of the Labour government's proposal to boost defence spending. He believes that delaying adequate measures to counter potential threats to the UK could lead the nation to become a "strategic victim of the 21st century." Earlier this year, the government led by Sir Keir Starmer committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a further increase to 3% anticipated in the following parliament. In June, NATO allies also pledged to elevate defence expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035, which includes provisions for "core defence requirements" and additional spending on "resilience and security."

During a discussion on the Defence on the Brink podcast, Sir Richard expressed skepticism about whether these plans would be sufficient or timely, noting that adversaries dictate the pace of potential threats. He cautioned that the necessary increase in defence funding might require cuts to other public services, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed to avoiding tax hikes or increased borrowing. Sir Richard articulated the urgent need for discussions on how to balance these budgetary constraints, indicating that any enhanced defence spending would likely have to be reallocated from areas such as welfare and healthcare—topics that could provoke contentious public debate.

As one of the key authors behind the UK's Strategic Defence Review (SDR) released earlier this year, Sir Richard outlined the importance of government commitment in enabling significant recommendations for modernising the armed forces. These recommendations included essential updates to the delivery of nuclear capabilities, submarine procurement, and advancements in artificial intelligence and cyber operations to address threats below traditional combat levels. The SDR also emphasized the necessity of building a stronger relationship between the military and the public to enhance support for defence spending. Sir Richard contended that if the UK aims to maintain its security in a scenario where control is elusive, it is imperative to expedite and prioritize defence budget increases, ultimately urging citizens to acknowledge the sacrifices necessary for a robust national defense.