Westminster Report

By The Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford.

WHY we must spend 3% of GDP on Defence Spending.
As the world grows increasingly unstable and unpredictable, the United Kingdom cannot afford to remain complacent.

 Our security is at risk, and now more than ever, we must ensure that our Armed Forces are adequately funded and equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead. That is why I firmly believe that the UK should commit to spending at least 3% of its GDP on Defence.

 Having served as a TA Infantry Officer in the Cold War, Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defense and been a long-standing member of the Defence Select Committee, I have seen the dangers we face and the importance of maintaining robust Defence capabilities.

 Indeed, to argue that the world has become more dangerous is not alarmist; it is the reality we live in today.

 From Russia’s illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine to Iran’s attacks on Israel and the growing threat of China’s assertive expansionism, it’s clear that global geopolitics has entered a new, far more volatile phase. 

 Russia’s aggression has reminded us that authoritarian regimes will not hesitate to use force to achieve their aims. Ukraine stands as a stark example of what happens when nations do not maintain strong Defence postures. The bravery of the Ukrainian people is undeniable, but we cannot overlook the fact that they gave up their nuclear weapons shortly after becoming independent – and Russia has taken advantage of this.

 This should serve as a stark warning to those in CND and elsewhere who wish for us to give up our nuclear deterrent.

 Our NATO allies look to us as a cornerstone of the alliance, and we must not falter in our commitments. The

  government’s commitment to spending 2% of GDP on Defence, as required by NATO, is the bare minimum. In reality, 2% is no longer enough to address the myriad threats we face in this new era of great power competition.

 For decades, we have enjoyed the security and prosperity that come with peace, but peace is only assured through strength.

 Spending 3% of GDP on Defence will ensure that our Armed Forces have the personnel, equipment, and capabilities they need to defend our interests at home and abroad. It will allow us to modernise our military and invest in cutting-edge technology, including cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and space Defense, which are rapidly becoming the battlefields of tomorrow.

 It will enable us to restore full-spectrum readiness in all branches of our forces and meet the needs of an unpredictable and evolving world.

 In light of this, I was pleased when earlier this year, the previous Conservative Government committed to a fully funded plan to grow the Defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. However, speaking purely personally, I now believe that we should be aiming for a more ambitious goal of achieving 3% of GDP in Defence spending. Indeed, these sentiments have now been echoed by several candidates in the Conservative Party Leadership contest, including by Robert Jenrick.   

 In contrast, one of the most concerning aspects of this debate is the Labour Party’s refusal to fully commit to increasing Defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. At present, the Government has announced a new Strategic Defence Review, which will be led by Lord Robertson, a respected former Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General, who I know personally- and we await his findings with interest.

 While Labour has discussed the principle of achieving 2.5% funding, a crucial difference lies in the absence of a clear timeline and without a definitive date for when the MoD budget might increase. Therefore, the MoD are now without a predictable financial framework, which enables long-term planning and investment in key capabilities. The lack of a clear commitment could lead to uncertainty in funding allocations, hindering the ability to maintain and modernise the armed forces effectively.

 It is not enough for Labour to claim they support our troops, while refusing to guarantee the resources they need. Without the necessary funding, such statements are hollow. They must acknowledge that the world is not getting safer and that our security depends on sustained investment.

 Their failure to do so raises serious questions about their willingness to prioritise national Defence. In a time of heightened global tensions, we cannot afford to have a Government that hesitates when it comes to the safety of our nation.

 In summary, our Armed Forces deserve more than warm words; they need real and tangible support. The truth is, we cannot afford to take our security for granted. The threats we face are growing, and we must be ready to meet them. That means spending 3% of GDP on Defence, investing in the future of our military, and sending a clear message to our adversaries that the United Kingdom remains a force to be reckoned with.

 As the proud son of a D-day veteran, Stoker 1st Class Reginald Francois, I have always believed that the first duty of Government, above all others, is the Defence of the Realm and history teaches us that we forget that at our peril.
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