Starmer challenged over defence investment plan delay

Sir Keir Starmer has come under mounting pressure to announce the publication date of the UK government’s long-delayed 10-year defence investment plan. The blueprint, originally expected in autumn last year, remains unpublished amid ongoing funding negotiations with the Treasury. The delay has sparked criticism from prominent figures, including former defence secretary and NATO chief Lord Robertson, who condemned the government for "corrosive complacency" in the face of escalating global security threats. The plan follows Lord Robertson’s review in June, which recommended substantial investment in ammunition, next-generation fast jets, drones, and new attack submarines to modernize Britain’s military capabilities. Reports suggest the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has requested billions in additional funding to support these upgrades, but talks with the Treasury have stalled progress. At Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Starmer for a firm publication timeline, but the prime minister only pledged to release the plan "as soon as possible," without specifying a date. Starmer defended his government’s record on defence spending, highlighting Labour’s previous increases and difficult decisions such as cutting overseas aid to prioritize military funding. He also criticized the prior Conservative government for leaving behind "uncosted and undeliverable" defence projects, including cuts to Navy frigates and minehunters. However, opposition voices warn that further delays risk damaging the UK’s defence-industrial base, with Labour MP Tan Dhesi emphasizing the urgency of clarity for defence companies. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the need for additional defence funding, which will require tough fiscal choices amid Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ commitment to existing multi-year budgets and fiscal rules. While Conservatives argue that extra defence spending can be accommodated within current budgets, the Liberal Democrats have proposed issuing special war bonds to raise funds. The MoD’s budget is set to increase by 3.6% in real terms, but the scale of the investment plan and its funding remain key issues as global security concerns intensify.