Spending Review. The 11 Jun spending review is an expression of Government intent to increase average departmental budgets in real terms by 2.3% over the next 3-4 years. It does not contain fiscal changes to revenue, which will follow in subsequent budgets. Defence (including additional spend on intelligence agencies) will rise to 2.6% of GDP from Apr 27.
Defence Reform. On 18 Feb the SofS announced the establishment of a Quad at the top of the MOD, with CDS having command of the Service Chiefs and commanding the new Military Strategic Headquarters, and the appointment of a National Armaments Director. Members can read more here.
Increased Defence Spending. On the 25 Feb the Prime Minister announced a funded increase in Defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, and an unfunded aspiration to increase to 3% in the next Parliament.
2025 / 26 Pay Award. On 22 May the MOD announced an above-inflation pay award of 4.5% in recognition of the need to improve recruitment and retention.
Strategic Defence Review (SDR). On 2 June the 2025 SDR contained ambitions to: step up on NATO and European security; move to a more lethal and integrated force at warfighting readiness; create a new partnership with industry as a stimulus to growth; innovate through drones, data and digital warfare; and widen participation in national resilience as part of a Whole-of Society approach.
National Security Strategy (NSS). The 2025 NSS was published on 24 Jun and committed to spending 5% of GDP on security by 2035 through a strategic framework of security at home, strength abroad, and increased sovereign and asymmetric capabilities.
Nato Summit. On 25 Jun the NATO Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their collective commitment to Article 5, their sovereign commitments to support Ukraine, and committed to invest 5% of GDP on core defence requirements (3.5%) and defence and security related spending (1.5%) by 2035. More can be read here.
Remedial Order to amend the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation Act) 2023. In the wake of the Dillon judgement that identified the Act was incompatible with the UK’s duties under the ECHR, the Government published a proposed remedial order which members can read here. This led to an ongoing petition to protect NI veterans from prosecution, which was signed by 179, 233 people, triggering a parliamentary debate which can be found here.
King’s Birthday Honours List. The Society congratulates those Defence personnel who appeared in the List, the military section of which can be read here.
