Drones, AI, space: where to invest amid defence tech boom April 1, 2025 The world is rearming at a dizzying pace. Global defence spending has surged at an annual rate of 4.2 per cent since 2020 – that’s four times faster than pre-pandemic levels, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. By 2030, that figure is expected to hit $3.4tr, reflecting rising geopolitical tensions and the race [...]
Spring Statement 2025: £2.2bn defence and weapons boost, Reeves to unveil March 25, 2025 Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a £2.2bn boost for the UK’s defence spending at the Spring Statement, including cash to kit out Royal Navy ships with laser weapons. The Chancellor vowed to deliver “security and national renewal” but warned “we have to move quickly in a changing world” amid rising uncertainty over future European [...]
Reeves will have to get real and raise taxes March 25, 2025 Despite frantic denials, the debt burden means Rachel Reeves will soon have to revisit promises she made on tax in the care-free days of opposition, says Vince Cable The Chancellor has many competing priorities on Wednesday: a big rise in defence spending; keeping the NHS afloat; honouring promises not to raise taxes on income and [...]
Ukraine peacekeeping talks reaching ‘military plan’ stage, says Starmer March 20, 2025 Talks on the Ukraine peacekeeping force are reaching the stage of a “military plan” aimed at “keeping the skies safe”, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Prime Minister has said the “timetable now is coming into focus”, and that if a deal comes to fruition, the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ needs to be ready [...]
The bond markets must not be allowed block defence spending March 19, 2025 The Germans are funding increased defence spending through debt so why can’t we? The Chancellor needs to start telling a better story about the future direction of our economy, says Paul Ormerod President Trump wants European countries to spend five per cent of GDP on defence. Kier Starmer plans to increase UK spending from 2.3 [...]
FCA clarity on defence investment and green rules welcomed by MPs March 11, 2025 MPs have welcomed a move by the financial watchdog, clarifying that defence investments aren’t constrained by green or sustainability rules. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) released a statement on Tuesday morning clarifying their position on sustainability and defence investments. A spokesperson said: “Our sustainability rules do not prevent investment in or finance for defence companies. [...]
Events, dear boy, events: Starmer’s defence challenge could be his biggest opportunity March 5, 2025 In July 2020, the then chief executive of the Environment Agency, Sir James Bevan, gave a speech to the Whitehall & Industry Group titled: ‘“Events, Dear Boy”: managing incidents before they become crises’. He told listeners: “When Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was asked what was the greatest challenge for a statesman, he replied: ‘Events, dear [...]
Tory MP warns UK should ‘consider possibility Trump is a Russian asset’ March 4, 2025 A Conservative MP has warned the UK should “consider the possibility that President Trump is a Russian asset”. Graham Stuart, a former Foreign Office minister, posted the remark on X, formerly Twitter, after the US President halted military aid to Ukraine. Overnight, the White House suspended delivery of ammunition and other equipment to Kyiv after [...]
BAE Systems boss in line for huge pay day at FTSE 100 giant March 3, 2025 The chief executive of FTSE 100 defence giant BAE Systems is in line for a huge pay day if shareholders approve proposed changes to the group’s remuneration policy. Charles Woodburn could be handed a bonus worth 500 per cent of his base salary, which currently sits at £1.27m, if he is still in post in [...]
Minerals deal: Zelensky meets Trump in bid for US backing against Russia February 28, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting Donald Trump at a pivotal moment for his country, as he tries to persuade the White House to provide some form of US backing for Ukraine’s security against any future Russian aggression. Zelensky made a thumb’s up sign but did not speak to reporters as he arrived at the [...]