UK to boost defence spending as King Charles outlines security priorities

The United Kingdom will boost defence spending, reinforce NATO’s role in ensuring European security, and continue to support Ukraine, King Charles III said.

“An increasingly dangerous and volatile world threatens the United Kingdom, with the conflict in the Middle East only the most recent example. Every element of the nation’s energy, defence and economic security will be tested,” the monarch said from the throne at the opening ceremony of the new session of parliament. 

The King reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO and signalled increased defence spending.

“My Government will also uphold the United Kingdom’s unbreakable commitment to NATO and our NATO allies, including through a sustained increase in defence spending.”

He added that the government would reinforce the country’s long-term energy, defence and economic security as part of its global strategy.

“My Government will seek to reinforce the long-term energy, defence and economic security of the United Kingdom as an essential component of strength on the world stage.”

The speech outlined a series of planned legislative measures, including reforms to housing, national security, cyber resilience and military support frameworks.

The throne speech of the monarch is traditionally written by the cabinet, setting out the legislative agenda for the year. During his speech, the king presented more than 35 draft laws of the Labor Party government, which address issues of the economy, energy, national security, education, healthcare and transport.

Charles III delivered his throne speech amid uncertainty surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as about 90 deputies of the House of Commons from the Labor Party are demanding his resignation. In a sign of disagreement with Starmer's course, which led the Labor Party to defeat in the local elections last week, four members of the government and several assistant ministers have already resigned.

By Vafa Guliyeva