The Spectator’s National Security Summit 2026 will bring together policymakers, industry, the armed forces and media to share their expertise, ideas and unique insights on the crucial opportunities and challenges facing the defence sector and the UK’s national security.
Increasing geopolitical instability – including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, rising cyber threats and Nato’s call for greater collective investment – has seen the target of 2.5 per cent GDP defence spending brought forward to 2027, with an ambition for 3 per cent in the next parliament and 5 per cent by 2035.
What should the money be spent on? And is that enough? The Ministry of Defence believes it will require an extra £28bn over the next four years just to meet its forecast costs let alone additional requirements.
The discussion around what constitutes an effective and sustainable national security strategy has never been more fraught.
The day’s events will include a networking breakfast, lunch and drinks reception, two keynote speeches and five panel sessions covering a range of topics.