Burnham commits to 3.5% defence spending by 2035, not 3% by 2030

Andy Burnham, the newly appointed UK defence secretary, has announced that the United Kingdom will aim to meet NATO’s 3.5 % defence‑spending target by 2035. In a statement released this week, Burnham clarified that the country will not be able to reach the 3 % threshold by the 2030 deadline that many NATO members have set for themselves.

The decision reflects a recalibration of the UK’s defence budget in light of current fiscal constraints and strategic priorities. Burnham noted that while the 3 % target remains a long‑term goal, achieving it by 2035 allows the government to balance investment in modernising forces with other public spending commitments. The move also signals a continued commitment to NATO’s collective defence framework, even as the UK adjusts its timeline to align with realistic economic conditions.

Burnham’s announcement was met with a mixture of support and caution from defence analysts, who point out that the extended timeline may affect the pace of procurement and readiness initiatives. Nonetheless, the pledge underscores the UK’s ongoing effort to strengthen its military capabilities while navigating the broader economic landscape.