What's happened
On June 2, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a strategic defence review aimed at enhancing the UK's military readiness amid rising global threats, particularly from Russia and China. The plan includes building 12 new attack submarines and increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambition for 3% thereafter. However, funding concerns persist.
What's behind the headline?
Key Elements of the Defence Review
- Increased Military Spending: The government plans to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a potential increase to 3% in the next parliament. This is the largest increase since the Cold War.
- Submarine Expansion: The UK will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack submarines, enhancing naval capabilities as part of the Aukus pact with Australia and the US.
- Focus on Readiness: The review emphasizes the need for the armed forces to be 'battle-ready' to deter aggression, particularly from Russia, which is described as a pressing threat.
- Technological Advancements: The integration of AI and cyber capabilities is highlighted, with plans to establish a new cyber command to counter increasing cyber threats.
Implications
- Funding Challenges: Critics question the feasibility of the proposed spending increases, suggesting that significant tax rises may be necessary to fund these ambitions. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has indicated that without substantial tax increases, the plans may be unsustainable.
- Public Sentiment: There is a mixed public response, with some supporting the need for a stronger military presence, while others argue that funds should be directed towards pressing domestic issues like healthcare and social services.
- Strategic Shift: This review represents a fundamental shift in the UK's defence posture, moving towards a more aggressive stance in response to perceived threats, which may reshape the UK's role in global security dynamics.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that Prime Minister Starmer's announcement included a commitment to make Britain a 'battle-ready, armour-clad nation,' emphasizing the need for military readiness in light of threats from Russia and China. Critics, including Paul Johnson from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, have raised concerns about the affordability of these plans, suggesting that 'chunky tax rises' may be necessary to support increased defence spending. Meanwhile, the Mirror highlighted the urgency of the situation, with Defence Secretary John Healey stating that Britain 'must act decisively to face down Russian aggression.' The Scotsman noted that the review is a comprehensive assessment of the UK's military strategy, with a focus on modernizing capabilities to address current global threats.
How we got here
The strategic defence review comes in response to escalating tensions in Europe, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The UK government aims to modernize its military capabilities, which have been perceived as inadequate in the face of contemporary threats. This review marks a significant shift in defence policy under the Labour government.
Go deeper
- What are the main points of the defence review?
- How will this impact UK military capabilities?
- What are the public reactions to the new defence plans?
Common question
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What are the key points of the UK's new defence review?
The UK has announced a significant defence review aimed at enhancing military readiness amid rising global tensions, particularly with Russia. This review outlines critical investments and strategic shifts in the UK's military approach. Below, we explore the key aspects of this review and its implications for national security.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Luke Pollard is a British Labour and Co-operative politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport since 2017. He was appointed as Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in January 2020.
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John Healey is a British Labour Party politician serving as Member of Parliament for Wentworth and Dearne, formerly Wentworth, since 1997 and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence since 2020.
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George Islay MacNeill Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen, KT, GCMG, PC, FRSA, FRSE, is a British politician of the Labour Party who served as the 10th Secretary General of NATO from 1999 to 2004; he succeeded Javier Solana.
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Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.