Labour Minister denies Keir Starmer 'watered down' defence spending - but admits it is still 'not enough'

Pollard announced that there is "£5billion extra in the defence budget this year" as part of what he described as a historic increase in military expenditure.

The minister emphasised that the additional funding represents a significant commitment to strengthening Britain's defence capabilities.

The Government has committed to reaching 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence spending by April 2027.

Pollard noted this would be "a figure not met since Labour was last in power in 2010 and not met by any one of the last 14 years under the Tories".

Beyond the 2027 target, the Government maintains its ambition to spend three per cent of GDP on defence in the next parliament. Pollard stated: "That is the commitment that was given by the Prime Minister in February."

The minister acknowledged that "2.5 per cent isn't enough" given the current security environment, justifying the higher 3 per cent target for the following parliamentary term.

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The defence review has revealed new investments in cyber capabilities following significant security threats.

Pollard disclosed that "in the last two years, the UK Armed Forces have had 90,000 cyber attacks on them by foreign states".

This has prompted investment in a new Cyber Command to address what Pollard described as "grey zone activities" and new nuclear threats facing Britain.

The review also announced directed energy weapons will be fitted to Royal Navy destroyers.

Pollard explained these weapons will "shoot down missiles and drones attacking them" as part of broader efforts to protect both armed forces and civilian infrastructure from emerging threats.

The increased defence spending will be directed at British defence industries to create employment opportunities across the country. Pollard stated the funding would go towards "British companies to create new jobs nationwide."

The minister explained that the Prime Minister has "cut international aid spending, moved it to defence" to fund these military investments. This reallocation allows the Government to direct resources towards domestic defence manufacturers while maintaining its spending commitments.

Pollard also emphasised that defence spending would serve as "an engine for growth" by channelling investment into British firms rather than overseas suppliers.