Heligan Group calls for greater UK defence spending to address geopolitical risks

Heligan Group welcomes the Government’s announcement today of an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027. However, while this step moves the UK in line with European counterparts such as Germany and France, it falls short of what is necessary to maintain a technologically advanced armed force capable of addressing growing global threats.

In an era of increasing geopolitical instability, the UK’s defence posture must reflect the reality of new and emerging risks. The proposed 0.2% increase—equating to approximately £6 billion per annum—is significantly lower than the £13 billion headline figure stated in Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement. This level of investment remains behind key allies and adversaries, particularly the USA at 3.4% of GDP and Poland at 4.1%, a country acutely aware of the threats posed by Russian aggression.

Simon Heath, Partner at Heligan Group, a specialist advisor and investor to the National Security and Crime Prevention sectors commented:

“The priority objective of any Government is to protect the nation state and its citizens. The pretence of a more stable international political landscape as a consequence of globalisation has been eviscerated in recent years by a series of conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and with an unpredictable leader in the US not necessarily willing to support Europe, there presents an increasing clear and present danger to national sovereignty in the UK. Greater defence spending is required to ensure that the UK can protect itself at all times and should target 3.0% of GDP going forward.”