Defence Investment Plan to Proceed Amid Leadership Change
Finnish and British soldiers take part in a training exercise near the Finnish-Russian border.
The long-awaited defence investment plan is set to be published ahead of next month's Nato summit, Downing Street has confirmed, despite Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister.
A Downing Street spokesman stated there would be no new "major policies" or spending decisions during the transition to the next prime minister. However, the government intends to proceed with the controversial defence spending proposals, which have already led to the resignations of two defence ministers.
This decision may create tension with Sir Keir's successor, who might seek to revise defence spending upon assuming office.
On Monday, Sir Keir announced his intention to resign as Labour leader and prime minister but will remain in position until the party selects a replacement.
Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and currently the only candidate formally in the leadership race, has previously stated he would reduce the welfare bill by increasing employment, thereby freeing more funds for defence.
Al Carns, who is considering entering the leadership contest, resigned as armed forces minister last month in protest against the defence investment plan (DIP), which he described as "not built for the threat we face".
If either MP becomes prime minister, they will face the decision to uphold the current plan or dismantle it, potentially causing further delays in its implementation.
Members of Parliament have expressed concerns that repeated postponements in publishing the plan are damaging the UK's credibility with its allies.
Delays to Defence Plan Undermine UK Credibility, MPs Warn
Minister supports Burnham as Labour MPs remain divided over the potential leadership contest.
Chris Mason reports that questions continue to arise for the man tipped to replace Starmer.
In the House of Commons, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the plan would be published before the Nato summit in Turkey on 7 July, stating it would "involve more money, spent more effectively and meet the scale of the challenges we face".
Under Sir Keir's leadership, defence spending has increased. However, upon resigning as defence secretary, John Healey remarked that a planned rise to 2.68% of GDP by 2020 fell "well short" of the 3% target he deemed necessary.
Reports indicate the Ministry of Defence is requesting an additional £28bn between now and the end of the decade but has only been offered an extra £10bn.
Sir Keir has stated he has asked all government departments to reduce their investment budgets to allocate more funds for defence.
There is no indication that the government will increase spending beyond what has already been outlined in the investment plan reviewed by Healey.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has expressed expectations that all alliance members will arrive at the Turkey summit with "clear, concrete and credible plans" to increase their defence spending.
European countries have faced pressure to boost their defence budgets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of President Donald Trump, who warned allies he would not defend them unless they increased their own defence spending.
Parliamentary Debate on Defence Spending
Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge addressed defence spending in the House of Commons, stating:
"It's a simple question," he said, adding: "Who is in charge of defence in the United Kingdom at a time of war on two fronts? Is it the prime minister or the right honourable member for Makerfield?"
Burnham is scheduled to receive briefings from civil servants on assuming the role of prime minister, as part of Sir Keir's commitment to ensuring an "orderly" transition of power.
Downing Street has confirmed that the outgoing prime minister has authorised access talks to commence with "prospective candidates" for the next Labour leader.
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