Would hitting 3.5% GDP on defence justify cuts elsewhere in public spending?

The UK currently spends around 2.3% of GDP on defence, with plans to reach 2.5% by 2027 and higher targets under discussion amid rising global threats. Reaching 3.5% would require an additional £25-30 billion annually, equivalent to roughly a 3p rise in the basic rate of income tax or significant reallocations. This comes as public services face ongoing pressures on budgets for the NHS, schools, welfare and infrastructure.