Keir Starmer is set to unveil a long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip) to future-proof Britain’s armed forces with a 'game-changing' investment, despite a bitter row over spending that led to two ministerial resignations.
PM Promises £5bn for Drones and Autonomous Weapons
The Prime Minister said the plan will keep the country “safe and secure long into the future” with £5 billion to ramp up the UK’s use of drones and autonomous weapons. He is expected to address the nation from around 10:30am in one of his final speeches before his expected departure from No10 on July 20.
However, the long-awaited plan for military investment is expected to fall short of the £28 billion originally asked for by defence chiefs. Earlier this month, John Healey dramatically quit as Defence Secretary, accusing the Treasury of being unwilling to commit the funds needed to defend the nation. He was followed out the door by Armed Forces minister Al Carns and two ministerial aides in the department.
New Defence Secretary Secures Additional Funding
New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is already understood to have secured another £1 billion on top of the £13.5 billion Mr Healey was offered. This takes the total settlement closer to £15 billion over the next four years - more than £10 billion less than the original amount requested.
Proposals have already been confirmed to equip the UK’s elite Commando Force with high-speed boats and lethal strike drones, and to replace the Navy’s ageing destroyers with drone-equipped warships.
Transition Talks Underway
Andy Burnham - who is expected to succeed Mr Starmer as PM - has reportedly seen the plan and has approved it. Downing Street has not confirmed this however it has said access talks between Labour leadership candidates and government departments can begin to start a smooth transition. Mr Burnham is currently the only candidate.
Mr Burnham - the ex-Greater Manchester mayor - set out some of his economic plans in a speech to the nation yesterday.
