No ‘immediate’ impact of U.S. election on UK spending

The Defence Committee session highlighted discussions on the implications of the recent U.S. election result, ongoing support for Ukraine, and the importance of maintaining public understanding of the UK’s strategic role.

Addressing concerns about the potential impact of the U.S. election result on defence spending, Defence Secretary John Healey dismissed the idea of any immediate changes.

“I feel that the case for increasing the defence spend is there. That is why I recognised and argued for it before the election, and it is why, as a new Government, we have made a commitment to doing so,” he explained.

However, Healey urged caution against speculation, adding, “We need to wait to see what the policy, military and strategic definition of the new President and Administration will be.”

The Chair raised concerns about the incoming Trump Administration potentially making unilateral decisions regarding Ukraine, referencing the Doha agreement with Afghanistan as an example. Healey emphasised the importance of avoiding hypothetical scenarios, reiterating the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.

“We have done this from day one. On day two in this job, I was in Odesa with President Zelensky confirming that from that point on we were stepping up support, which we are continuing to do,” he said.

Healey outlined the Government’s priority: “Particularly in this period when Ukraine is under significant pressure—over the next two or three months—we do everything we can to ensure that it is successful on the battlefield and capable of withstanding the Russian pressure.”

He also spoke on the UK’s leadership role, stating, “Our job is to rally allies as best we can, but also to continue the proud leadership that the UK has had from the outset of the Russian invasion.”

Communicating the Threat to the Public

MP Alex Baker questioned the Defence Secretary about plans to inform the British public of the current security threat. Healey acknowledged the responsibility of Government and Parliament to foster public understanding.

“It is important for us to help people see clearly that the Ukrainians are fighting for their sovereignty and their right to territorial integrity, but they are also fighting for the same values that we stand for: individual freedom, long-term peace, and a country’s right to decide its own future,” he said.

Healey stressed the broader implications of the conflict, warning, “If Putin prevails in Ukraine, he is not going to stop there. For us in the UK, the first line of the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.”

The Defence Secretary also highlighted the critical role of allies: “In this day and age, the strength of our allies matters, and it matters perhaps more than it has ever done.”

Sustaining Public Support for Ukraine

Healey expressed pride in the UK’s united stance on Ukraine, but he cautioned against complacency. “If we want the British public to maintain the extraordinary level of hospitality and support that they have demonstrated to Ukrainians, that is not something we can take for granted. Unless we nurture it, we could see it wither,” he warned.

He noted the risk of public support waning, as seen in other countries. “I am really proud that this is still a country that stands united for Ukraine, as we have from the outset,” Healey concluded.

At the UK Defence Journal, we aim to deliver accurate and timely news on defence matters. We rely on the support of readers like you to maintain our independence and high-quality journalism. Please consider making a one-off donation to help us continue our work. Click here to donate. Thank you for your support!