Overview

This bill mandates the UK government to meet the NATO target of spending at least 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence each year, starting from 2016. It outlines reporting requirements to Parliament and establishes a mechanism for verifying that UK defence spending adheres to NATO's criteria.

Description

The Defence Expenditure (NATO Target) Bill legally obligates the Secretary of State to ensure the UK meets the NATO 2% GDP defence spending target annually. The bill specifies that the calculation of this target will use NATO's defined criteria for qualifying defence expenditure.

Annual Reporting and Accountability: The Secretary of State must submit an annual report to Parliament detailing UK defence spending against the 2% target. If the target isn't met, a further statement must explain the reasons, referencing economic and fiscal factors or external circumstances. This statement must also outline steps to meet the target in the following year. Accountability is solely through this parliamentary reporting process; failure to meet the target doesn't automatically invalidate any government action.

Verification of Expenditure: The bill requires independent verification of UK defence spending to ensure it aligns with NATO's qualifying criteria. The Secretary of State must report on this verification process in their annual reports.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify a level of government spending, but it aims to ensure that defence expenditure reaches a minimum of 2% of the UK's GDP annually. This would require substantial government commitment to defence budget allocation.

Groups Affected

The UK Government: The bill places a legal obligation on the government to meet the 2% NATO defence spending target and to report transparently to Parliament.

The Ministry of Defence: Will be responsible for meeting the spending targets and providing the necessary data for reporting.

Taxpayers: May experience changes in taxation to fund the increased defence spending.

NATO: The bill demonstrates the UK's commitment to its NATO alliance obligations.

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