Rachel Reeves rejects calls to boost defence spending amid fears of £28bn shortfall

Feb 17, 2026 - 21:29
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Rachel Reeves rejects calls to boost defence spending amid fears of £28bn shortfall

Rachel Reeves is resisting calls for a major defence spending boost.

The Chancellor is defying military chiefs who are demanding a hefty increase in Ministry of Defence spending.


The department wants to increase its budget amid fears of a £28billion funding shortfall.

Talks over the defence budget have now hit a roadblock, the Telegraph reports, despite service chiefs warning that existing plans will not be enough to meet Britain’s spending commitments over the next four years.



It was reported this week that Downing Street wants to turbocharge its defence spend in the coming years, hitting three per cent by 2029, a claim sources later insisted was misinterpreted.

More to follow.


Rachel Reebes



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