Can the UK afford to fight a war? A post-Budget reality check on Britain’s defence

As global risk intensifies—from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine to sharpening competition in the Indo-Pacific—the UK must reconcile strategic ambition with fiscal reality. In the wake of the UK Budget, Chatham House will host a focused, one-hour discussion: “Can the UK afford to fight a war? Assessing the post-budget outlook for Britain’s defence and security commitments.”

Date & time: Thursday 27 November 2025, 18:00–19:00 (UK)

Format: Hybrid — Chatham House (London) and Online

Register: Chatham House event page (sign-in required)

For Universal Defence and Security Solutions (UDSS), this debate lands at exactly the right moment. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR)—co-authored by UDSS Co-Chair General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE—sets out how Britain should modernise its forces, strengthen NATO readiness, and reset the relationship with industry. But strategy only matters when it’s funded, deliverable, and sustained. This session will test that proposition against the Budget’s choices.

What the discussion will cover

• NATO and allied commitments: Can the UK sustain credible forward presence, replenishment and readiness under tighter budgets?

• Modernising the force: Making choices on people, platforms and digital—where do we prioritise to deter now and win later?

• Industrial base & procurement: Turning money into capability—pace, affordability, resilience and export potential.

• Fiscal trade-offs: The political and economic balance between restraint and preparedness—and what it means for British credibility.

• Near-term risks: Lessons from Ukraine, Red Sea disruptions, cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and Indo-Pacific contingencies.

Why this matters now

Budgets are more than numbers—they signal intent. In an era of renewed great-power competition, the UK must show that its ambitions are matched by funded plans, faster acquisition, and a resilient industrial base. The SDR provides a blueprint; this event explores whether the post-Budget settlement equips government and industry to deliver it.

Who should attend

• Government & Parliament: policymakers, committees, and advisers shaping defence and fiscal policy

• Armed forces & civil service: leaders charged with turning strategy into readiness and capability

• Industry & investors: primes, SMEs and financiers navigating procurement and supply-chain resilience

• Think tanks & academia: analysts testing assumptions and accountability

UDSS perspective

UDSS supports governments and industry to turn strategy into outcomes—through independent reviews, delivery assurance, defence-industrial strategy, and professional military education. We welcome robust debate on affordability and choices, and we look forward to the insights that emerge from this Chatham House session.

How to join

Attendance is free but registration is required. The event is open to in-person and virtual participants via Chatham House. By registering, attendees agree to the organiser’s code of conduct, ensuring a respectful, inclusive discussion.

👉 Register here: https://www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/open-event/can-uk-afford-fight-war

If you would like to discuss the implications for your organisation or how UDSS can help connect budgeting, capability and delivery please get in touch via info@universal-defence.com