The Daily Populous Tuesday June 3rd, 2025 morning edition
Authored by bbc.co.uk and submitted by alexmuhdot

Wide-ranging measures announced, but budget still in question

The government’s message is clear: the world has changed, so the UK’s defence must change too.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with the US asking Nato countries to spend more on defence, is the backdrop to today’s strategic defence review.

The measures in the report are wide-ranging – from better housing for armed forces to building up to 12 attack submarines. All of this is backed by extra government funding, with a pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5% by 2027-28, aiming for 3% by the next parliament.

But is it enough? MPs in parliament have asked this question repeatedly after John Healey made his statement.

Our analysis shows that to meet all the goals of making the UK’s armed forces ready for war, more money will be needed.

John Healey says a defence investment plan, described as a new investment framework, will be published in the autumn.

While details of this investment plan are still unclear, one thing is certain: the review marks a dramatic change in how the armed forces will fight in the future, as our defence correspondent Jonathan Beale writes.

You can read his analysis, check out all the key points of the strategy defence review, or read our full news piece.

We’re ending our live coverage for today. Thanks for joining us.

ghosttrainhobo on June 3rd, 2025 at 02:21 UTC »

I would really like to avoid a war with China if possible

Doctorstrange223 on June 2nd, 2025 at 19:44 UTC »

rather odd considering Russia is not near the UK nor an existential threat.

JustAhobbyish on June 2nd, 2025 at 13:00 UTC »

Rather conservative approach from the UK with no deadline. Don't really much detail here only vague 3% by 2034.