Reeves Starves Military of Funds.

Reeves blocking spending boost for defence.

Chancellor accused of refusing to increase MoD budget further despite pleas from military leaders

Tony Diver Associate Political Editor. Tom Cotterill Defence Editor

17 February 2026 9:00pm GMT

Related Topics

• Ministry of Defence, 
• Rachel Reeves, 
• British Army, 
• Mark Carney, 
• HM Treasury

An RAF Chinook on an exercise this month in Norway. Military chiefs have warned that their budget will not be enough to meet Britain’s spending commitments Credit: Alex Ceolin

Rachel Reeves is resisting pressure from military chiefs to spend billions more on defence, The Telegraph understands...