A further Nato pledge to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 appeared to be even more remote. Now as Andy Burnham's chancellor, Healey will be under pressure to put his money where his mouth is. Any increase in defence spending will increase the pressure for tax rises, though Healey has argued in the past for "creative funding options". But without extra funding, Healey has been clear Britain's armed forces will not be ready to meet rising threats. Now he's the chancellor, Healey will have the opportunity to set out a plan to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP himself.