Defence spending at 2.5% of GDP with a focus on cyber and reserves

The world is less stable than it has been at any point since the end of the Cold War. Russia has invaded a European democracy. China is expanding its military capabilities. The Middle East is in crisis. And the UK, a nuclear power and permanent member of the Security Council, spends barely 2% of GDP on defence and struggles to recruit enough soldiers to fill its reduced army.

Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP over the parliament, with specific investment in three areas. First, cyber capabilities, because the next serious attack on this country is more likely to be digital than physical. Second, reserve forces, because a small professional army needs a credible reserve behind it. Third, defence procurement reform, because the current system wastes billions on late, over-budget projects.

A well-defended country is a free country. This is the first obligation of any government and it has been neglected for too long by parties of all stripes.