Finance minister to set out 'clear path' to higher defence spending in spring

British finance minister John Healey said he will lay out a “clear path” to raising defence spending at the government’s spring spending review, targeting NATO commitments in 2035 at 3.5% of GDP. Speaking to The Times at the G20 summit in North Carolina, Healey also said the target date for 3% would be set as part of that plan. Healey, in post since July, previously served as defence minister and left the role in the last government after failing to secure funding to reach 3% by 2030. His first budget is set for October 28, and defence will be “central” to next year’s review. OBR figures estimate reaching 3% by 2030 would cost £17.3 billion.