Rachel Reeves will not increase defence spending in her Spring Statement, despite growing pressure from military chiefs.
Leading figures in the Armed Forces have identified a £28bn gap between defence spending needs in the coming years and funding agreed by the Treasury.
Former military chiefs, including retired heads of the Army and the Navy, have argued for an urgent rise in defence spending.
However, The Telegraph understands that the Chancellor will not use her statement to the Commons on Tuesday, updating on the public finances, to announce an increase.
Ms Reeves is planning a low-key Spring Statement, with no major announcements on spending policy or taxation being worked up after a tumultuous autumn Budget.
The Chancellor’s theme for the speech will be to “stick to the plan”, pointing to falling inflation, interest rates and energy costs to argue that the conditions for growth are emerging, according to a Treasury insider. DT.
