PM to push ahead with controversial defence plan despite resignation

Image source, PA Media Image caption, Finnish and British soldiers take part in a training exercise near the Finnish-Russian border By Kate Whannel Political reporter Published 14 minutes ago 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. Delays to defence plan undermine UK credibility, MPs say Published 7 June Minister supports Burnham as Labour MPs split over possible contest for leadership Published 3 hours ago Chris Mason: Questions multiply for the man tipped to replace Starmer Published 15 hours ago 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 "cl