Prime Minister Starmer announces £15 billion defence investment plan

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, pledging an additional £15 billion to modernise Britain’s armed forces. The plan aims to reach annual defence spending of nearly £80 billion by 2029 and seeks to achieve a target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035. Key components include £5 billion specifically for drones, autonomous weapons, and the development of a hybrid navy. This announcement follows the resignation of former defence minister John Healey, who previously criticised the government for inadequate security funding. Current defence minister Dan Jarvis participated in finalising the document, which will be presented at a NATO meeting in Ankara on July 7–8. With Andy Burnham expected to succeed Starmer as early as July 20, the Prime Minister acknowledged that future governments may modify the strategy. While the administration frames the policy as a necessary deterrent, some critics have characterised the plan as too little, too late.