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The government has announced that the long-anticipated defence investment plan (DIP) will be released prior to next month’s Nato summit, despite the recent resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister. A spokesman from Downing Street confirmed that no significant new policies or spending measures will be introduced during the transition period as the search for a new leader unfolds. Nevertheless, the administration intends to move forward with the contentious defence spending proposals, which have already led to the resignation of two defence ministers.
This move may create challenges for Sir Keir’s successor, who could potentially seek to revise defence expenditure plans upon taking office. Sir Keir declared on Monday that he will step down from his roles as Labour leader and prime minister, though he will remain in charge until his party selects a new leader. Among those interested in succeeding him is Andy Burnham, recently elected as MP for Makerfield and currently the only officially declared candidate. Burnham has previously stated he plans to reduce welfare costs by increasing employment, which he believes would free up more funds for defence.
Al Carns, who is considering a bid for the leadership position, resigned last month from his role as armed forces minister, protesting against the DIP and criticizing it as insufficient for the threats the nation faces. Should either Burnham or Carns become prime minister, they will confront a critical choice: maintain the existing plan or dismantle it, which could delay its rollout even further. Members of Parliament have cautioned that ongoing postponements undermine the UK’s standing and reliability among its allies.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, addressing the House of Commons, confirmed that the defence investment plan will indeed be published before the Nato summit in Turkey on 7 July. She emphasized that the plan would involve increased funding, more efficient spending, and be aligned with the scale of the challenges confronting the nation. Under Sir Keir’s leadership, defence spending has risen, yet upon his resignation as defence secretary, John Healey criticized the planned increase — which aims for 2.68% of GDP by 2030 — as falling short of the 3% target he deemed necessary. Reports suggest the Ministry of Defence is requesting an additional £28 billion up to the end of the decade but has only been offered an extra £10 billion. Sir Keir has instructed all government departments to curtail their investment budgets to reallocate resources toward defence, but there is no indication the government will exceed the existing investment commitments.
Dan Jarvis, the new Defence Secretary, relayed that his recent discussions with Chancellor Reeves have been “very good and constructive” and affirmed his determination to secure the “best possible deal.” Speaking at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference, Jarvis reiterated that delivering the defence investment plan is a priority, but “not at any cost.” He acknowledged the impending change in prime minister but emphasized the urgency of producing the plan regardless. Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stressed the importance of all member states presenting “clear, concrete and credible plans” to increase defence budgets ahead of the summit, especially in light of geopolitical pressures following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jarvis acknowledged the UK’s commitment to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 and assured that a credible plan will be presented to honour this promise.
In the House of Commons, Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge questioned who holds responsibility for defence during a period of simultaneous conflict, asking pointedly whether it remains with the prime minister or with the MP for Makerfield. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is scheduled to receive briefings from civil servants on assuming the role of prime minister, in line with Sir Keir’s pledge to ensure an “orderly” transition of power. Downing Street has authorized preliminary talks with prospective leadership candidates to facilitate their preparation as the Labour Party moves forward with selecting a new leader
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