# UK Defense Spending Under Pressure | Belfast News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/belfast-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7598384/uk-defense-spending-under-pressure-belfast-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/belfast-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7598384/uk-defense-spending-under-pressure-belfast-news.md
Podcast: [Belfast News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/belfast-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7598384)
Published: 2026-09-18T00:23:22+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/a5cd64bd61bbb1a0
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/28baa6dc-519d-40d0-bae9-2041ebcba457.mp3
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Duration seconds: 98

## Resource

NATO chief Mark Rutte is urging the UK to adopt a credible, year-by-year plan to hit 3.5% of GDP for defense spending by 2035 — not just a last-minute leap — warning that global threats like Russia demand consistent investment. While the UK currently targets 2.7% by 2028, no clear roadmap exists beyond that, prompting Rutte’s push for a steady “glide path.” Internal UK debates have flared, with former defense secretary John Healey quitting over funding disagreements and now calling for a 3% target by 2030 — but Rutte praised PM Andy Burnham’s team for their commitment to the 3.5% goal and phased approach, stressing that gradual, sustained increases are essential for real security. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/nato-chief-uk-needs-credible-path-of-yearly-hikes-to-hit-defence-spending-goal/a/161614229.html More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/a5cd64bd61bbb1a0 Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

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