Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by David Reed (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 27 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

National Security: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, given General Sir Richard Barrons' evidence to the Defence Committee on 7 July 2026 that expenditure under the 1.5% of GDP NATO resilience target has not funded the security of military airbases, the condition of military ports, NHS mass casualty capacity, or mobilisation and forward-basing stock, why his Department did not prioritise these areas.

Answer

The UK has met the NATO 1.5% commitment on security and resilience, reflecting investment across civil-military capability, resilience, industrial capacity, stockpiles and support to partners.

Under the NATO definition, investment in defence infrastructure and capabilities is core defence spend. The Defence Investment Plan has set out investments over the next 10 years, including £51 billion earmarked for the Defence estate; modernising critical airbase and airfield capabilities and delivering the biggest naval upgrade for 45 years.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17651
Session
2026-27
Registered interest declared
Yes
Subjects
Finance National security
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk