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In a major step to strengthen the safety and prosperity of the country, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a firm pledge to spend 5% of the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on national security.
Historic Commitment to National Security
This announcement was made on Tuesday, 24 June, at the NATO Summit and marks one of the most significant security investments in the country’s recent history.
This new commitment forms part of the government’s freshly published National Security Strategy, a detailed plan that brings together various strands of defense and security work completed since the last General Election. Led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, this new approach focuses on protecting working people and ensuring the country’s long-term safety and stability.
The 5% GDP investment will not only boost the UK’s military strength but also bring economic benefits. The plan aims to create more jobs, better wages, and a stronger economy. It ties national security directly to economic security — something the government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer now sees as deeply connected. The idea is that when a country is secure, its economy becomes more stable, and its people benefit from better employment and living conditions.
This strategy outlines that 3.5% of the investment will go towards core defense, which includes military operations, equipment, and personnel. The government will use the remaining 1.5% for resilience and broader security needs, such as protecting the energy grid, stopping smuggling operations, and preparing the nation to face modern threats.
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More Jobs, Higher Wages, and a Stronger Economy
This new security investment, championed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is not only about military spending. It aims to boost the economy in practical ways by creating real jobs and improving daily life for working people. As part of the strategy, the government is funding major defense projects across the country.
For example, the UK government is investing £15 billion in the sovereign warhead programme, which will create 9,500 jobs in Berkshire. In Sheffield, a new artillery factory by a leading defense company will provide 200 new positions. Meanwhile, efforts to build up to 7,000 long-range missiles for the Armed Forces will support 800 jobs nationwide.
The plan also includes doubling the number of apprenticeships in defense-related industries. This means young people across the UK will get the chance to learn new skills and enter stable careers in the security and defense sectors.
The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has also pledged £86 billion in research and development (R&D). This R&D investment will focus on advancing new technologies in science, digital systems, and education. These innovations are expected to increase both military and economic competitiveness. It will help British businesses grow, reduce dependency on foreign imports, and make the UK more self-sufficient in key areas.
The National Security Strategy recognizes that building strength at home — whether in the economy, science, or digital systems — is just as important as defending against physical threats. By doing so, it aims to reduce the negative impact of global events, such as supply chain disruptions or market instability, which often affect everyday people the most.
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A Whole-Society Approach to National Security and Resilience
The new National Security Strategy, guided by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks a major shift from past approaches. It reflects a modern understanding that security is no longer just about the military. It includes everything from food prices and street safety to online security and economic stability.
The strategy is built on the belief that everyone, from governments to businesses and individuals, plays a part in national security. This is why the plan calls for society to become more resilient — able to adapt and withstand shocks, whether they are from cyberattacks, economic crises, or natural disasters.
One key message in the strategy is that security must be complete and connected. It’s no longer enough to protect one part of the system while leaving another part vulnerable. That’s why the government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will focus on strengthening all critical infrastructure — including transport, energy networks, and digital communications — from sabotage or cyberattacks.
UK Targets 5% Security Spend Under Starmer
The UK expects to reach at least 4.1% of GDP in national security spending by 2027, based on NATO’s revised definitions. The remaining gap towards the 5% pledge is expected to be filled through continued investments, which will be reviewed by all NATO members in 2029.
The National Security Strategy also includes several other reviews and policies:
- Strategic Defense Review
- Strategic Security Review
- Resilience Strategy
- China Audit
- AUKUS Review
- Industrial and Trade Strategies
By combining all these elements, the UK under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming to build a more secure and economically prosperous nation, with a direct focus on supporting working communities.
This new direction signals a stronger, broader view of national security — one that includes job creation, economic development, and technological growth — all tied together with the aim of protecting and improving the lives of the British people.
To read the original order please visit UK Government’s website