Defence Chief Highlights Funding Shortfall
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the UK's chief of the defence staff, has issued a warning that the nation's armed forces will be compelled to reduce training and operational activities unless they receive a greater financial allocation than what is currently under consideration. Sir Richard stated that the government's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) does not provide sufficient short-term funding for essential "day-to-day activities."
Concerns Echoed by Former Defence Secretary
These concerns align with those expressed by John Healey, who recently resigned as defence secretary. Healey claimed that the proposed financial settlement "would reduce the readiness of our Forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations." In a statement to the Commons, Healey emphasized that his resignation was "necessary in securing the future of Britain's armed forces and our alliances," asserting that his decision was "about our country, not career." He also criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves, suggesting she was "unwilling" to provide adequate funds, noting that "our adversaries do not follow timetables set by the Treasury."
"The thing that I'm most concerned about is the level of day-to-day activity funding, the resource departmental expenditure limit, because that funds operational activity and drives exercises and training... without changes to the settlement... then those areas will come under pressure."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton
The government has pledged to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035, aligning with NATO allies. The DIP, which was expected last week, has been delayed following Healey's departure. Healey indicated that Downing Street and the Treasury were prepared to commit approximately £10 billion in additional funding over the next four years, reportedly £18 billion less than what military leaders had requested. He advocates for the UK to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2030.
Immediate Readiness at Risk
In his resignation statement, Healey highlighted the inadequacy of current defence investment plans, noting a projected rise of only 0.08% from next year to 2030, with no specific timeline for reaching 3% or 3.5%. He stressed the importance of British leadership among allies, many of whom are expected to spend 3% or more by 2030. Healey's resignation letter last week also warned that the 10-year DIP "backloaded" spending increases, despite the immediate need for "speed up readiness to fight... in the first two years."
Sir Richard Knighton reiterated these concerns during his testimony to the Lords International Relations and Defence Committee. He underscored that the "resource departmental expenditure limit" is crucial for funding operational activities, exercises, and training, which ensure the readiness of service personnel. He stated that without an increase in this funding, these vital areas would face pressure. Sir Richard acknowledged that the new defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, is currently reviewing the funding plan, which remains unfinalized, but reiterated that "we will have to dial back our activities and our exercise and operational activity if the level of resource funding that's available to us does not increase."
Former armed forces minister Al Carns also resigned, stating in his letter that the investment level in the DIP was "inadequate to the task" of national defence and failed to adequately address modern warfare, such as drone technology, by focusing too much on traditional hardware.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, stated that the government is increasing the defence budget from 2.3% of GDP to 2.6%. Speaking at the G7 summit, he added that the DIP would provide the UK with "capability for the future" and confirmed that money had been reallocated from other departments to defence. The Prime Minister noted that the new defence secretary is currently reviewing spending priorities for future capabilities.
Source: UK forces face operational cuts without more cash, defence chief warns