We need a serious, independent plan for defence spending, not just vague promises for the distant future.

The goverment should establish an independent Defence Funding Commission with a statutory duty to set and oversee a clear, accelerated timetable for meeting and exceeding our NATO defence spending commitments. This body would be tasked with ensuring we reach at least 3% of GDP on defence by 2028, not some distant date easily pushed aside by political expediency.

This is a matter of national security and fundamental duty, not merely an economic target to be debated. The current geopolitical landscape requires immediate and unwavering commitment to our armed forces and our allies. Relying on successive governments to honour vague, long-term promises has demonstrably failed to provide the certainty our defence capabilities desperately need.