David Lammy has declared that Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to increase defence spending to 3% of national income is 'absolutely sacrosanct under this Government', as delays continue to plague the publication of the Defence Investment Plan (Dip). The Deputy Prime Minister insisted that 'the money will be found' to fund new equipment and infrastructure, despite facing scrutiny over which departments might face cuts to support the armed forces.
Defence Investment Plan delayed
The Defence Investment Plan, originally expected last year, may now not be published until July due to internal government disagreements over funding. Lammy, who also serves as Lord Chancellor, declined to comment on specific budget discussions with the Treasury but emphasised that national defence is 'the first purpose of any Government'. Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, he stated: 'The money will be found, our commitment to 2.6% and then to three (is) absolutely sacrosanct under this Government.'
Criticism from MPs
The delays have drawn sharp criticism from MPs, including Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, who said: 'Excuses to the effect of taking the time to get the details right simply do not cut it.' The UK has committed to reaching a defence spending target of 3% of GDP when economic conditions allow, and 2.6% by 2027, which includes spending on the military, security, and intelligence.
Potential cuts to other departments
According to the Sunday Times, Sir Keir is considering cuts to net zero and transport budgets to fund the Dip. Capital spending across all departments may be reduced by 1%, raising approximately £6 billion by the end of the Parliament. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the delays a 'mark of shame' for the Labour Government, warning that 'our national security is being undermined' and that 'the military is tearing its hair out waiting for Keir Starmer to make a decision'.
Government response
An MoD spokesman defended the Government's approach, stating that it is providing a 'generational increase' in defence spending, with an extra £270 billion across this Parliament. The spokesman added: 'The Defence Investment Plan will fix the outdated, overcommitted and underfunded programme we inherited. We are working hard to finalise it. As the Defence Secretary told Parliament this week, the Prime Minister is determined to publish it before the Nato summit.'
