Budgeting for defense in the United Kingdom

The recent growth in international tension has been associated with countries either increasing their military spending or discussing such increases—consequently, defense budgeting has attracted increased attention. This article reviews the U.K. defense budget in an historical context. It sets out the position in mid-2024 when the newly elected Labour Government commissioned a Strategic Defence Review. It summarizes the planning process and the government’s budget constraints; considers the issues involved in measuring the defense budget and making international comparisons; reviews trends in the defense budget; and the choices that need to be made between spending on personnel, conventional equipment, and nuclear weapons.