The budget percentages conceal the scale of the promised increase. Spending 3.5 percent of GDP on defence would mean nearly £100 billion a year rather than roughly £74 billion. The four-year total would approach £400 billion instead of the plan's roughly £298 billion. Postponing most of that rise until after 2029 leaves an implausibly steep increase for a future parliament.
Chapter · 15:35-18:27
The 3.5 percent pledge reveals the present spending gap
The promised rise to 3.5 percent of GDP is converted into annual spending, exposing how far the four-year plan remains below that level.