@ISIDEWITHQuestionsForeign policyStarted 8yrs agoActive 2 days ago

Should the government increase or decrease military spending?

In 2021/22, the United Kingdom spent approximately 48.6 billion British pounds on defense, an increase of around four billion pounds when on the previous year. In October 2022 British Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace announced that Britain’s military spending will double and reach 100 billion pounds by 2030, meeting the new Prime Minister Truss’ goal of increasing military spending to 3% of GDP.

42%
Increase
32%
Decrease
35%
Increase
32%
Decrease
7%
Increase, but only after our deficit is drastically reduced

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.

 @8SRBY9Panswered…3yrs3Y

Decrease, unless there's a threat of world war 3 (in which case we should increase it).

 @ISIDEWITHanswered…2 days2D

Decrease, to exactly 2% of GDP to comply with NATO, but in the long-term we should work towards leaving NATO and to decrease military spending to 0.5% of GDP with the intention of eventually cutting all military spending

 @9MVRKWRanswered…3 days3D

Military spending should be better targeted not just applied as the requirements have clearly changed

 @8SGWZ6Lanswered…3yrs3Y

Increase when under threat

 @8SGN2F4answered…3yrs3Y

Focus on defence only

 @8SDR4NZanswered…3yrs3Y

Increase spending, but spend the extra only on improving and expanding non-nuclear defence capabilities.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…1mo1MO

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Pledges Significant Defence Spending Amid Global Instability

In a decisive move to bolster national security and affirm the United Kingdom's commitment to global stability, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a significant increase in defence spending. Amidst growing concerns over international tensions and the assertion that the world is experiencing its most volatile period since the Cold War, Sunak has pledged to raise the UK's defence budget to 2.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030. This ambitious plan will see defence spending soar to an annual total of 87 billion pounds ($108 billion), marking a substantial investment in the nation's military capabilities and infrastructure.The announcement comes as Sunak embarks on a diplomatic tour, engaging in critical talks with NATO allies in Warsaw and Berlin. The Prime Minister's initiative underscores a strategic effort to strengthen alliances and address the rising threats that have cast a shadow over global peace and security. By committing to a significant increase in defence expenditure, the UK aims to play a pivotal role in fostering a stable international environment, demonstrating its readiness to confront challenges that may arise.This move has been framed as a response to the current geopolitical landscape, which Sunak describes as the most dangerous and unpredictable in decades. The increased funding is intended not only to modernize the British armed forces but also to ensure that the UK remains a formidable force on the international stage. It reflects a broader strategy to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and emerging threats, including cyber attacks and other forms of hybrid warfare.Critics and supporters alike are keenly observing the implications of this policy shift, with many noting the potential impacts on the UK's fiscal priorities and the broader defence strategy. As the UK navigates through these uncertain times, the government's commitment to enhancing military spending is a clear signal of its determination to safeguard national interests and contribute to global security.As Prime Minister Sunak continues his discussions with European leaders and NATO officials, the UK's pledge to increase its defence budget is a testament to its resolve to uphold peace and stability. This strategic decision not only reinforces the UK's position as a leading military power but also as a proactive agent in the pursuit of a safer, more secure world.

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