Here’s why defence spending is a tough decision for Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to find a way to spend more on defence (Credits: Alastair Grant/PA Wire)

This is an exclusive from Craig Munro and is featured in Metro’s politics newsletter Alright Gov? The newsletter delivers exclusive analysis and more to your inbox every week.

It’s very easy to say, ‘We’re going to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035’. Honestly, try it – you’ll probably be able to do it in a single breath.

There’s something that makes it even easier to say, too. Everyone agrees the world is becoming a more unstable place, with conflicts flaring up and old alliances breaking down, and many politicians – with the notable exception of the Greens – agree th...