The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) has finally been unveiled by the government, a strategy that promises to allocate £14 billion over the next five years to modernise and equip Britain's armed forces. But critics claim it's 'too little, too late', as the long-awaited plan comes almost a year after its initial scheduled release in autumn last year, amidst internal debate and a high-profile ministerial resignation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will introduce the plan with a speech outside London this morning, before Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis formally presents it to Parliament later today. Mr Jarvis took over the brief from John Healey, who resigned earlier this month over disagreements on defence spending levels. The current plan commits to increasing defence spending to 2.68% of GDP by 2030, falling short of Mr Healey's push for a target of 3%.
Opposition leaders have already pounced on the delayed plan, with James Cartlidge, Shadow Defence Secretary, branding it 'too little, too late' and arguing that it offers only minimal additional funding compared to previous proposals. He accused the Prime Minister of rushing through the plan in a desperate bid for legacy during his final days in office.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey echoed these concerns, describing the DIP as 'late and underfunded', warning that it poses significant risks to jobs and businesses within the defence supply chain. He urged the incoming government under Andy Burnham to adopt Liberal Democrat proposals for 'defence bonds' to secure necessary investment for the armed forces.
The plan's publication comes at a crucial time, just ahead of a key NATO summit in Turkey next week where defence spending commitments will be on the agenda. The DIP aims to address the security landscape outlined in last year's Strategic Defence Review (SDR), setting out financial commitments required to modernise and equip the UK's armed forces.