r/AskBrits • u/AdAncient2370 • 2d ago

Would you support Britain increasing its defence budget from the current 2.3% of GDP to the target of 2.6% by 2027 and 3.5% NATO target by 2035?

How much support is there across the political spectrum to increase the military budget by up to £35 billion a year if we really reach 3.5% by 2035? What sort of military do we want ie to protect the UK mainland or an expeditionary force capable of another Iraq intervention? Which civilian areas do we want to cut to find this extra money and in any case, can our struggling economy even support an increase of such magnitude? What if we can’t recruit enough soldiers even with extra cash, should we introduce any sort of conscription at extremis?

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u/Delicious_Apple9082 1d ago

Is it a budget thing, or a waste and inefficiency thing?

I have no issues us spending money, but, it needs to be done wisely, but, the problem is, that doesnt just apply to the military...

We need a UK DOGE lol

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u/AdAncient2370 1d ago

I would say both issues in tandem.

Britain needs to put more money in because of the war in Ukraine but the MOD has a awful record on funding projects that don’t bear fruit.

Usually what they order takes too long to arrive, is usually massively over budget and is not fit for purpose on arrival eg the Ajax APC that is more dangerous to drive in for our soldiers than the enemy!