Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to publish the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (DiP) before the NATO summit on July 7, following nearly a year of delays. The move has been met with criticism, with observers accusing Starmer of a last-ditch effort to salvage his legacy on international security while potentially laying a political trap for his successor, Andy Burnham.
Sudden Urgency After Months of Delay
Reports this week indicated that Starmer intends to release the DiP before handing over the keys to Downing Street to Burnham. The plan had been expected last autumn but was repeatedly postponed due to wrangling between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence. Downing Street had previously insisted that no major policy decisions or spending commitments would be made during the final weeks of Starmer's premiership, making the sudden push for publication all the more surprising.
Starmer confirmed the timeline, stating that the plan will appear before the NATO summit. The announcement comes after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, citing that the plan was far short of what is needed. Critics argue that Starmer's premiership on defence will be remembered for dither and delay, with difficult decisions repeatedly pushed into the long grass.
A Last-Ditch Bid to Save Legacy
Conor Wilson, a news reporter, wrote in an opinion piece that Starmer's sudden urgency on defence appears less about investing in the military and more about landing a departing blow on a political enemy. Wilson noted that those who had been vocal in demanding the DiP's release are now urging caution, as the timing suggests a political maneuver rather than a genuine commitment to defence.
"The time for Starmer to act decisive on defence has long passed," Wilson wrote. "To do so now, is to release a plan that just weeks ago was so far short of what is needed that Defence Secretary John Healey resigned." Wilson added that without getting Burnham on board, the plan could lead to further dither and delay as the new government seeks to scale back pledges and put its own mark on it.
Potential Landmine for Burnham
The outgoing PM's move has been interpreted as an attempt to force Burnham into a difficult position. By publishing the plan just before the NATO summit, Starmer may be seeking to commit the next government to spending commitments that Burnham might not support. Wilson warned that Starmer could deliver all of the MOD's requests as a departing gift, but without first securing the PM-in-waiting's agreement, it could backfire.
This is not the first time Starmer has been accused of using defence issues for political gain. Last week, Wilson wrote about Starmer using the opportunity to seize a Russian ship to score points. The pattern suggests a broader strategy of prioritizing political advantage over sound defence policy.
Reactions and Implications
The sudden publication of the DiP has sparked debate about its impact on UK defence capabilities and the incoming government. With the NATO summit approaching, the plan's release could shape international perceptions of Britain's commitment to defence. However, critics argue that the rushed process undermines the plan's credibility and could create instability in the transition of power.
As Starmer prepares to leave office, his legacy on defence remains uncertain. The delayed DiP and the circumstances of its release may ultimately define his tenure, for better or worse.
