Britain said it will spend a sum equal to 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense through the end of the decade, ending speculation that the new government would fail to meet the funding goal for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation members.
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PENTAGON – The US Department of Defense is lauding the British government’s decision to maintain its defense spending to meet North Atlantic Treaty Organisation suggested targets.
“Britain has always been resolute in defence of liberty and the promotion of stability around the world”.
Committing today to meet the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation pledge to spend 2% of our national income on defence. Spending on counter-terrorism, which stands at £2bn across government, will be protected in real terms, rising at least in line with inflation.
Speaking to parliament, the chancellor said: “Today I commit additional resources to the defence and security of the realm”. Well, today, this government makes this choice.
“We strongly value our relationship with the [U.K. military] and we appreciate the signal that United Kingdom will remain a leader within North Atlantic Treaty Organisation”. Committing to the intelligence agencies who keep us safe.
Even those working inside the Ministry of Defence were pleasantly surprised by the chancellor’s announcement.
Osborne also said the government would guarantee a real increase in the defence budget every year.
Mr Osborne added: “We’re supporting the incredibly courageous members of our special forces who are injured and, in the 75th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, quadrupling the annual annuity we pay to those who demonstrated the highest valour and who I had the honour of meeting yesterday”.
Ex- Navy chief Admiral Lord West said he was “absolutely delighted” the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation target would be met, saying it was crucial in a “dangerous and unstable world”. My only concern is what exactly is now included in that methodology compared to two years ago? “I think it’s clearly the view at North Atlantic Treaty Organisation that the Ukraine situation has been a game-changer”, said Robert Bell, the USA secretary of defence representative in Europe told the Guardian newspaper in June.
The 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review which is taking place this year will review the threats facing Britain and its ability to tackle them.
The pledged increase should result in an extra $4.61 billion in defense spending over the next five years, according to BBC analysis of the new plan.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton said it was a “great day for defence” and would allow the armed forces to “start building back”.
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Labour’s ex- Treasury minister John Healey has also welcomed the 2% commitment.
