Ahead of the NATO Summit being held in the UK next week, the PM has written to the other NATO leaders setting out five priorities for the summit.
The one that stands out, in particular in the UK context, is the push for all nations to meet the 2% target for defence spending as a percentage of GDP.
As the PM states (emphasis added):
We must ensure that NATO has the capabilities it needs to respond to changing threats. That requires investment. The UK is already one of 4 members of the alliance to meet the target of spending 2% of our GDP on defence and I would urge other allies to make the strongest possible commitment to increase their defence spending, and to devote at least one fifth of it to equipment and research. As our economies start to recover, reversing the decline in defence spending and investing in our defence capabilities would strengthen alliance cohesion and signal that NATO means business.“
Yet by many accounts, the UK is likely to see further real terms cuts to the MOD budget by 1-2% each year of the next Parliament (see Giles Wilkes on bloodletting or the FT report on the potential for a defence black hole).
With the UK economy growing again, our own ability to meet the 2% target could come under pressure.
If it does, will the next Government heed the PM’s advice and “reverse the decline in defence spending”?
The PM’s letter and five priorities came as news broke that the Russia had over 1,000 troops in Ukraine.
The PM’s other priorities?
- Agree how NATO will sustain a robust presence in Eastern Europe in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine.
- A landmark North Atlantic Armed Forces Charter that would demonstrate a collective commitment to our armed forces.
- Meeting the 2% target.
- Discuss how the Alliance can support the Afghan government in the years ahead.
- Create a Global Security Network with partner countries and organisations that share Nato’s values.
