Should Keir Starmer increase defence spending to address underfunding warnings?

UK defence spending stands at around 2.5% of GDP, facing shortfalls of up to £28 billion over four years amid warnings from military chiefs and committees that forces are hollowed out and unprepared for conflicts like those involving Russia, Iran, and the Gulf. The government pledged £75 billion over 10 years and aims for 3% by the early 2030s, but the Defence Investment Plan remains delayed nearly a year after the Strategic Defence Review, prompting cross-party calls for faster increases to meet NATO targets and new threats. Critics highlight depleted stocks sent to Ukraine, a navy with only eight deployable destroyers, and an army smaller than some Eastern European nations.