Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the House of Commons that the government will release the defence plan before the NATO summit in Turkey on 7 July, pledging that it will involve increased funding, better efficiency, and a response to current security challenges.
Under Sir Keir’s leadership, defence spending has risen, but former defence secretary John Healey, upon resigning, said a projected increase to 2.68 % of GDP by 2020 fell well short of the 3 % target he considered necessary.
The Ministry of Defence has reportedly requested an extra £28 billion over the remainder of the decade, while the government has so far offered only £10 billion in additional funding.
Sir Keir has instructed all government departments to trim their investment budgets to free resources for defence priorities.
However, there are no indications that the administration will exceed the spending limits already set out in the investment plan that Healey examined.
New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis described recent talks with the Chancellor as “very good and constructive” and said he is “determined to secure the best possible deal that I can”.
Speaking at the RUSI Land Warfare Conference, Jarvis stressed that his “priority is to deliver the defence investment plan, but not at any cost”.
He added, “I have a responsibility to get it right. While there will be a change of prime minister, the urgent need to produce the defence investment plan will not change.”
NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte has stated that alliance members must arrive at the Turkey summit with “clear, concrete and credible plans” for increasing defence spending.
European nations face mounting pressure to raise defence budgets, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the re‑election of President Donald Trump, who warned allies they would not be protected unless they spend more on their own defence.
Jarvis reiterated the UK’s pledge to reach 3.5 % of GDP in defence expenditure by 2035, telling the NATO chief that “that promise will be met and a credible plan will be produced to ensure it.”
Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge challenged the government on defence spending in the House of Commons.
“It’s a simple question,” he said, “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 set to receive briefings from civil servants as he prepares to assume the premiership, part of Sir Keir’s commitment to an orderly transition of power.
Downing Street has confirmed that the outgoing prime minister has authorised talks with prospective Labour leadership candidates to begin.
