Reform UK proposes raising defence spending well above the NATO 2% floor, rebuilding recruitment and retention, and modernising equipment programmes. It frames the threat environment around Russia and China and wants what it calls 'woke' initiatives removed from the services.
UK defence spend (2024)
2.3% GDP
SIPRI
Regular Armed Forces
132,570
MoD, 2024
Army trained strength
~73,000
MoD, 2024
Key proposals
The 2024 Contract targeted 2.5% by year three of the parliament and a longer-term aim of 3%.