A defence minister would not say whether Britain will meet a challenge from Nato chief Mark Rutte for presenting a “credible” plan for hiking military spending before a coming summit of the alliance.
Mr Rutte on Wednesday called on Nato allies to “present clear, concrete and credible plans” for how they are raising defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035 before this year’s summit in Ankara, Turkey, which begins on July 7.
The commitment is split into a 3.5% GDP core defence spending commitment, and a 1.5% GDP commitment to wider resilience spending.
Defence minister Louise Sandher-Jones would not be drawn into saying whether the UK planned to present such a plan to Mr Rutte in the weeks ahead of the gathering.
But she did tell reporters Britain will show Nato its “strong commitment” to defence by emphasising the Government had made the “biggest increase in defence spending in a very long time”.
The Nato chief’s challenge comes just a week after John Healey resigned as defence secretary over a dispute at the heart of Government over the defence investment plan (Dip).
Mr Healey said the Dip was only due to provide £13.5 billion extra investment in defence, far short of the £28 billion over four years which defence officials said was necessary to transform the UK’s armed forces.
His resignation letter also suggested the UK was only on course to spend 2.68% of GDP on defence by 2030 as a result of commitments in the Dip.
Asked by broadcasters when Nato would receive the UK’s plan for a 3.5% commitment, Ms Sandher-Jones said: “I would just say that we’re going to be walking into there and we’re going to be able to point to the record of what we’ve already done.
“It’s not just about talking the talk, it’s walking the walk.
“We’ve had the biggest increase in defence spending in a very long time.
“That’s over £270 billion supporting all kinds of activity, whether it’s our at-sea nuclear deterrent or it’s training activity.
“That is a really, really strong commitment that we’re going to be taking in to show today about what we have done and delivered.”
Asked earlier by reporters why she could not put a timeline on Britain’s commitment to raise defence spending, Ms Sandher-Jones replied: “With respect, there’s this process that’s going on at the moment around the Dip to make sure that we meet the threats and meet the capability.
“Again, with my background, I’m really focused on the threats and the capability that what we’re talking about is what we need. As we’re going forwards, the Dip is a moment, and it’s really important that we get it right, and I know that everybody’s working hard to do that.”
She also declined to say whether she would resign if more cash for defence was not forthcoming, telling journalists her focus was to “make sure that we deliver for the men and women who are serving our country today”.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Rutte issued a challenge to all Nato member states.
He said: “Ahead of the summit in Ankara, allies will highlight how they’re delivering on commitments made in The Hague last year.
“Investing 5% of GDP in defence by 2035.
“That’s what we agreed.
“So, I expect nations to present clear, concrete and credible plans to reach that goal. Ideally, well ahead of the agreed timeline. And many are already showing that they are doing exactly that.”
Elsewhere, a senior Ministry of Defence official warned peers that cuts to Whitehall departments to fund the delayed defence investment plan (Dip) would be a “zero sum game” which was “a very difficult decision to make politically”.
Rupert Pearce, UK national armaments director, also told peers the delay in publishing the Dip was “regrettable”, but added reducing spending in areas such as energy or transport investment “could come back to haunt us in defence”.
New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has vowed to get the armed forces the funding they need after his predecessor quit over the issue.
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out tax hikes to fund defence spending.
The Dip is due to be published before the Nato summit in Turkey, but was originally slated for publication last autumn and has been repeatedly delayed.
Read MoreNATO chief downplays US military cutbacks as top commander makes backup plans
Germany and Poland to sign a new defense deal as balance of power in Europe shifts
Healey warns defence plan ‘well short of what’s required’ as he lashes out at Starmer
UK military investigates report that Russian warship fired warning shots at yacht in the Channel
Girls as young as 9 feel pressured to lead ‘perfect lives’ due to influencers
Makerfield by-election – latest: Burnham will refuse Starmer’s job offer, allies say
