Keir Starmer’s £15 billion defence boost has been slammed as “too little, too late” by critics who warn Britain may not be prepared to confront Russia. The Prime Minister unveiled a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan worth nearly £300 billion over four years, which includes record spending on drones, missiles, artificial intelligence, and next-generation fighter jets.
Funding Falls Short of Military Demands
Former military chiefs and opposition MPs argue the package still falls well short of what the armed forces require. The Ministry of Defence had reportedly pushed for £28 billion in extra funding, almost double the £15 billion that was ultimately agreed upon. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge noted that much of the equipment “won’t be in service until the 2030s, when the threat we face is right now.”
Former Defence Secretary John Healey, who resigned after clashing with the Treasury, expressed disappointment, warning that “European security is at stake.” He pointed out that Britain would still only be spending 2.7% of GDP on defence by 2030, the year NATO fears Russia could be ready to attack. Healey demanded a target date for reaching 3% of GDP and a “clear, credible funding plan” to achieve the NATO commitment of 3.5% by 2035.
Labour MPs Express Disappointment
Labour Defence Committee chairman Tan Dhesi also called the plan “disappointing,” noting the absence of a clear timeline for reaching 3% of GDP on defence and warning that the strategy contained “significantly less detail” than previous ones. Former Armed Forces minister Al Carns, who also quit over the funding dispute, pressed ministers on what share of the budget would actually go toward drones. Defence minister Dan Jarvis declined to provide a specific figure, stating only that it was the “largest ever investment in drone warfare.”
Breakdown of the Defence Investment Plan
The plan will raise annual defence spending from £54 billion to nearly £80 billion by 2029. It includes more than £5 billion for drones and autonomous weapons, over £8 billion for air defence and Tempest stealth fighters, almost £2 billion for a new digital targeting network, and £115 million to protect against AI threats. Ministers also pledged £64 billion to renew Britain’s nuclear deterrent and a £50 billion export facility to help UK defence firms secure overseas deals.
However, Sir Keir admitted that some road and energy projects would have to be axed to help fund the spending increase. He insisted the plan would make the Army “10 times more lethal” and said Britain must “prepare for war to preserve peace.” Rejecting criticism that the package was insufficient, the PM stated: “There will always be those that say whatever the sum is, frankly, it’s not enough.” He added that he was “100% confident” the plan would give Britain the capability needed to deter future threats.
NATO Response
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the plan a “good step,” adding: “Stronger UK defence makes us all safer.”
