Tom Tugendhat, the UK’s Security Minister, has called for an immediate increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in order to address global threats from countries such as Russia, China, and Iran. This call comes after the recent budget announcement, overseen by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, which did not increase defence funding as expected. Tugendhat, emphasizing the urgency of reaching the 2.5% GDP spending target, has criticized the budget for not allocating additional funds for defence at a time when global challenges necessitate such an increase. Despite his vocal stance on enhancing defence spending, Tugendhat denied any tension with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the issue. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s budget maintained defence spending at around 2.0% of GDP, sparking discussions on the need to prioritize national security amidst evolving geopolitical threats.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is among those questioned regarding the decision to not boost the Ministry of Defence’s budget as part of the spending plan. The call for increased funding by Tugendhat and other officials, including Indo-Pacific Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan, underscores concerns over the growing disparities in defence budgets globally, particularly with nations such as China and Russia enhancing their military expenditures. This move aims not only to deter external threats but also to ensure the UK’s future prosperity in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.

The ongoing debate over defence spending within the government highlights the challenge of balancing economic stability with security needs. Sunak, during his tenure as Chancellor before becoming Prime Minister, defended his record on military funding, noting a significant increase in the defence budget under his leadership. Economic Secretary Bim Afolami has also commented on the issue, dismissing the idea of pre-election budget incentives in favour of long-term economic progress. As discussions continue, the UK government faces the task of addressing immediate security concerns while maintaining its commitment to economic and fiscal prudence.