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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Karen Bell

This is what Britain really needs to defend itself – and it doesn’t include spending billions on arms

Submarine manoeuvred by a tug boat
HMS Artful, an Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, at Faslane, 4 March 2025. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The UK government has now unveiled its strategic defence review (SDR), positioning it as a bold response to global threats, particularly from Russia. The plan includes increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with aspirations to reach 3% in the next parliament.

The government’s narrative suggests that increased military spending will enhance national security and stimulate economic growth. However, this perspective neglects the immediate threats facing UK citizens: underfunded public services, a strained National Health Service and the escalating climate crisis.

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