Labour has created “huge uncertainty” for the UK’s armed forces by failing to commit to a timeline for increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP while it undertakes a major review, the Tories claimed. 

Sir Keir Starmer today announced the launch of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review, which the Prime Minister pledged would tackle international threats head on.

The review is not due to report until the first half of 2025. Labour has promised to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent but only after the review and only if the public finances allow. The Tories pledged to hit the number by 2030. 

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “In a world that is more volatile and dangerous than at any time since the Cold War, Keir Starmer’s Labour Government have failed at the first hurdle to protect our national security by refusing to commit to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030. 

“By failing to do so, they’ve created huge uncertainty for the UK’s leadership role in NATO, our Armed Forces, and our defence industry.” 

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