Reform UK pledges 3% of GDP defence spend, meets US Vice President in Washington
Reform UK finance spokesman Robert Jenrick told US Vice President JD Vance that a Nigel Farage administration would lift British defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030.
In Washington, Reform UK's finance spokesman Robert Jenrick met with US Vice President JD Vance to present the party’s defence agenda. He asserted that a future Nigel Farage government would raise UK defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 and aim for 3.5% by 2035, funded by £45 billion of savings mainly from welfare cuts. Jenrick emphasized that this commitment would make Britain a reliable NATO ally, countering recent criticism of the UK's defence under previous Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham.
The conversation also referenced Vance’s prior visit to the Cotswolds in 2025, where he met Farage, Danny Kruger and James Orr. Reform UK positions the plan as a response to US calls, especially from President Donald Trump, for European members to meet higher defence spending thresholds. The meeting signals a potential shift in UK defence policy if Reform gains power.
Why it matters
The pledge signals a major shift in UK defence funding, affecting NATO burden-sharing and future British security policy.
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