Written question asked by Baroness Bryan of Partick (Labour) on Monday, 10 March 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 March 2025. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 24 March 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Expenditure

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they are having with devolved authorities about the proposed increase in defence spending.

Answer: The Government recently committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2027. The Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy will inform the Government on how this will be spent. We are engaging with devolved authorities across the UK on a routine basis, including in relation to defence spending. The consultation process for the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy has included detailed engagement with Mayoral Strategic Authorities across England. There has also been engagement with the Devolved Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and with officials from the Offices for the Nations.

Secondary information