PM to push ahead with controversial defence plan despite resignation

The long-awaited defence investment plan will be published ahead of next month's Nato summit, Downing Street has said, despite Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister.

A Downing Street spokesman said there would be no new "major policies" or spending decisions during the transition to the next prime minister.

However, the government is still planning to press ahead with the controversial defence spending proposals, which have already triggered the resignations of two defence ministers.

The decision could cause tension with Sir Keir's successor, who may want to revise defence spending when they take over.

On Monday, Sir Keir announced that he would resign as Labour leader and prime minister but will stay on as leader until the party picks a replacement.

Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and the only candidate to have formally joined the leadership race so far, has previously said, external he would reduce the welfare bill by getting more people into work and thereby ensuring more money for defence.

Al Carns, who is considering entering the contest, resigned as armed forces minister last month in protest at the defence investment plan (DIP) which he said was "not built for the threat we face".

If either MP becomes prime minister they will have to decide whether to stick to the current plan or unpick it, further postponing its implementation.

MPs have already warned that repeated delays to publication were undermining the UK's credibility with allies.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the plan would be published before the Nato summit in Turkey, on 7 July, and said 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 on resigning as defence secretary John Healey said a planned rise to 2.68% of GDP by 2020 fell "well short" of the 3% target he argued was necessary.

There have been reports that the Ministry of Defence is asking for an extra £28bn between now and the end of the decade, but had only been offered an additional £10bn.

Sir Keir has said he has asked all government departments to cut their investment budgets to free up extra money for defence.

But there is no suggestion that the government will increase spending above what had already been set out in the investment plan seen by Healey.

Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said he expects all members of the alliance to arrive at the Turkey summit with "clear, concrete and credible plans" on how they will increase their defence spending.

European countries have come under pressure to boost their 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 spent more to defend themselves.

Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge raised the subject of defence spending in the House of Commons.

"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 set to receive briefings from civil servants on taking over as prime minister, as part of Sir Keir's promise to ensure "orderly" transition of power.

Downing Street has said the outgoing prime minister has authorised access talks to begin with "prospective candidates" to be the next Labour leader.