A parliamentary committee has strongly criticised the government over repeated delays to the publication of its defence investment plan (Dip), warning that the delays have damaged the UK's credibility with allies. The plan, originally expected last autumn, has been postponed multiple times amid warnings of a significant funding gap for the military over the next four years.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, said the delay had undermined the nation's credibility, safety, and certainty within the defence industrial base. He called on ministers to apologise, stating that 'excuses to the effect of 'taking the time to get the details right' simply do not cut it.' The report also noted that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not yet decided which capabilities and infrastructure are needed to transform the armed forces within budget.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the plan before a NATO summit in Turkey beginning on 7 July. An MoD spokesperson said the government is providing a 'generational increase' in defence spending, with an extra £270bn across this parliament, and is working hard to finalise the plan.
The criticism comes amid reports that all five of the Royal Navy's Astute-class hunter-killer submarines are out of service undergoing maintenance. The MoD confirmed it is developing a submarine maintenance recovery plan to prevent overruns and increase war readiness. A naval source cited a lack of investment in backup infrastructure as a contributing factor.
Additionally, a technical issue was discovered on HMS Prince of Wales, one of Britain's two aircraft carriers, while docked in Norway. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy reiterated that the government's commitment to defence spending reaching 3% of national income is 'absolutely sacrosanct,' and that money will be found for new equipment and infrastructure.
