Grant Shapps advocates for increased NATO defence spending in response to growing global threats, citing a “more dangerous world” | Politics News

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is pushing for NATO countries to increase their defense spending target from 2% to 2.5% of gross domestic product. In an interview with Sky News, Shapps emphasized the importance of meeting this new target in light of the current global security threats.

This proposal comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged to increase UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 to address the growing challenges posed by hostile states like Russia, Iran, and China. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced plans to gradually raise defense spending over the next decade, reaching 2.5% by 2030/31.

The government’s commitment to this increase in defense spending would result in an additional £75 billion in funding over the next six years, solidifying the UK’s position as the second-largest defense spender in NATO after the US.

Shapps, who took over as defense secretary last August, has been vocal about the need for NATO allies to boost their defense budgets to keep up with evolving global threats. He warned that the current 2% target is outdated given the changing geopolitical landscape, including the rise of China, nuclear-armed North Korea, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Advocating for the 2.5% target, Shapps highlighted that it would inject an extra £135 billion annually into NATO’s defense budget, making a significant impact in ensuring the alliance’s readiness and capabilities in an increasingly unstable world. The upcoming NATO summit in Washington DC will provide a platform for further discussions on this crucial issue.