# Reuters: UK chancellor says spending shifts will fill £4.7 billion defense plan gap Reuters reports in Defense News that Chancellor John Healey will use capital reprioritization across government. Detailed plans for defense spending targets await a spending review planned next year. Published 2026-10-28 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/28/reuters-uk-chancellor-says-spending-shifts-will-fill-4/ Chancellor John Healey told Parliament on Oct. 28 that reprioritization in other departments would fill a £4.7 billion gap in Britain's Defence Investment Plan, according to Defense News, which carried the Reuters report.[1] Healey said his budget fully funded the plan, including through capital reprioritization across government.[1] The report did not identify which departments, programs or spending lines would give up money.[1] He said he would also scrutinize public spending to explain how Britain would meet NATO's commitment to spend 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035.[1] He said he would mark a target date for 3% in 2030.[1] Healey also said he was determined to use more innovative financing alongside the private sector and international allies.[1] ## Why it matters Healey's pledge, as reported by Defense News, covers the Defence Investment Plan in this budget. Detailed plans for reaching the 3% and 3.5% goals will be set out in a spending review planned next year.[1] ## Sources 1. Defense News (Reuters): UK's Healey says government will fill defense plan gap by 'reprioritizing'