Key facts
- Sir Keir Starmer will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) on Tuesday.
- An additional £1 billion has been allocated to the DIP, bringing the total to approximately £14.5 billion.
- The plan focuses on enhancing drone capabilities and modernizing military assets.
- The DIP's publication follows the resignation of former defence secretary John Healey over funding concerns.
- The funding increase is intended to keep the UK "safe and secure long into the future."
Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil the United Kingdom's long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP) on Tuesday, which includes an additional £1 billion for military spending. The plan, originally due last year, faced significant internal government debate over the required funding to modernize the armed forces and address evolving threats.
The DIP aims to accelerate Britain's drone capabilities, drawing lessons from the widespread use of such technology in conflicts like the war in Ukraine and in Iran. The increased package, now totaling approximately £14.5 billion, is intended to equip servicemen and women with cutting-edge capabilities to deter adversaries and ensure national security.
However, the plan has been contentious. Former defence secretary John Healey resigned earlier this month, arguing that the proposed funding was insufficient for the UK to transform its armed forces and meet future challenges, potentially falling short of NATO's commitment for member states to spend 3.5% of their national economic output on defense by 2035. Dan Jarvis, who replaced Mr. Healey, is credited with securing the final settlement after negotiating with the Treasury.
Despite the increased investment, concerns persist that the total amount still falls short of the £28 billion previously deemed necessary by defense officials. The DIP is expected to be one of Starmer's final acts before Andy Burnham is anticipated to take over as prime minister, with Burnham having previously indicated a desire to increase defense spending further, potentially by cutting welfare.