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Written question asked by Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Defence: Finance

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK’s placement in the recent NATO rankings of defence spending as a percentage of GDP.

Answer

The UK is the third largest cash spender in NATO and this Government has increased defence spending as a proportion of GDP as well as committing to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.

Defence spending will rise to 2.6% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament. At the Hague Summit last July, the Prime Minister also committed to spending 5% on national security.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13291
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Defence Finance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk