UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting repeatedly refused to commit to spending 3% of gross domestic product on defence by 2030, stressing the need for fiscal discipline.
During a series of media interviews on July 30, 2026, Streeting declined to pledge the target at least ten times.
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He emphasized that any long-term budget commitments must be fully funded to avoid economic instability.
His stance aligns with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who also declined to commit to the 2030 target, instead backing NATO's broader goal of reaching 3.5% by 2035.
Funding Must Be Fully Accounted For
Speaking on the BBC's Today programme, Streeting outlined the government's approach to future fiscal planning.
“The Prime Minister has said very clearly that the defence investment plan must be fully funded,” he said.
“People will know how strongly the Chancellor feels about that. Those are conversations for future Budgets and future spending reviews.”
On Times Radio, Streeting addressed whether Chancellor John Healey would allocate funds to reach the 3% figure.
“Certainly not ruling it out.
But I’m also being clear that when we make spending commitments, we also set out how they will be paid for,” he said.
He warned against repeating past mistakes under Conservative predecessors, whom he accused of “playing fast and loose with the public finances.”
Speaking to Sky News, Streeting expanded on the risks of unbacked financial promises.
“Let’s say, for argument’s sake, I just said: yes, we will by 2030 meet 3 per cent.
