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Streeting Declines To Commit To 3% Defence Spending By 2030. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has refused to commit to raising UK defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, saying it would be irresponsible to make the pledge without explaining how it would be funded. Streeting said announcing spending commitments without a clear funding plan would risk market uncertainty, higher borrowing costs and damage to the UK's finances. He said he agreed with the position taken by his predecessor, John Healey, who resigned over the issue, but insisted the government would announce its plans "in the usual way.” The Conservatives and Reform UK have called on the government to commit to the 3% target immediately. Streeting argued previous governments had damaged confidence by making spending and tax promises without setting out how they would be paid for. He said maintaining fiscal discipline would allow the government to invest in defence, public services and support for the cost of living. Asked whether he would resign if defence funding fell short, Streeting declined to answer directly, pointing to comments he made over the weekend. Streeting said he had "100% confidence" Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the chancellor would fully fund future defence investment plans.
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