Sunak Increases Defence Spending In An Attempt To Silence Critics

In an update to Britain's foreign policy framework, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will spend an additional USD 6 billion to replenish ammunition stocks and fund the next phase of a submarine pact with the United States and Australia.

Sunak will set out an “ambition” to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP in the long term while his government unveils an update to Britain's national security and international policy during a visit to the United States.

Sunak hailed the move as a way to “ensure we are never again vulnerable to the actions of a hostile power,” but his offer of USD 6 billion is less than half of what some in his ruling Conservative Party believe is required to support Ukraine against Russia while not leaving Britain vulnerable.

He described the new commitments as a “strong and positive statement,” citing previous increases in defence spending as proof that he was a man of his word.

“As the world becomes more volatile and competition between states intensifies, the United Kingdom must be prepared to stand our ground,” he said in a statement.

“From economic security to technology supply chains and intelligence expertise, we will fortify our national defences to ensure we are never again vulnerable to the actions of a hostile power.”

The Ministry of Defence said minister Ben Wallace was “delighted” with the settlement, especially given the current economic climate and that it would help the government maintain its recent upward trajectory.

The release of the updated Integrated Review has been timed to coincide with Sunak's visit to San Diego to finalise the next steps in the landmark AUKUS agreement between the United States and Australia.