A TREASURY minister has refused to guarantee a rise in defence spending this parliament.
Darren Jones declined to say if the Government will meet its 2.5 per cent of GDP commitment by 2025.
It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves said last month the target would be reached at a “future fiscal event”.
It is currently around 2.3 per cent.
US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to insist on it amid his seemingly wavering support for Nato and Ukraine.
Mr Jones said he could not give a 2.5 per cent deadline date until a strategic defence review next spring.
He told the BBC: “As with all spending decisions, it has to be subject to wider fiscal considerations.”
He also told Sky News other areas of spending may be sacrificed to reach 2.5 per cent.
Mr Jones said: “Defending the country is a non-negotiable.
“That is not a trade-off. The trade-off is then with other areas of public spending.”
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said a deadline must be set to hit 2.5 per cent “to ensure our future national security is maintained”.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said it was “incredibly important” the military was strengthened.
Ammo stockpiles need to be replenished and more cash is needed for technology, he said.
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