Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has stated that 'real progress' has been made this week on the long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip), though work within the government is ongoing to 'get it right' in the coming days. The plan, originally due last year, has been delayed due to internal wrangling over the necessary funding levels for the military.
Jarvis Confirms Progress in Treasury Talks
In a sign that the blueprint for future-proofing the armed forces could receive a funding boost, Jarvis indicated that discussions with the Treasury have advanced recently. Speaking to the Press Association, he said: 'I've been working very hard since I was appointed to satisfy myself that we've got the right resource and the right mix of capabilities.'
Jarvis's predecessor, John Healey, resigned earlier this month after the Dip was only set to provide £13.5 billion in extra investment, which he deemed 'well short' of what is needed. Reports suggest an additional £1 billion has since been added to the plan.
Prime Minister Commits to Pre-NATO Summit Publication
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pressing ahead with publishing the Dip before the July 7 NATO summit, despite a government-wide pause on major policy and spending commitments during the transition of power. Jarvis said: 'The Prime Minister has been clear that we will publish the defence investment plan before the NATO summit. That's what we're going to do.'
This move could cause friction with Starmer's likely successor, Andy Burnham, who may want the final say on military funding. However, Jarvis, who worked closely with Burnham when both were regional mayors, expressed confidence in Burnham's leadership, stating: 'He was an exceptional mayor of Greater Manchester and I think he will be an excellent prime minister.'
Jarvis: Defence as 'Number One Spending Priority'
Jarvis emphasized that defence should be the UK's top spending priority, adding: 'There will always be a strong case, not least given the circumstances that we're operating in, to spend more on defence, but people will understand that there has to be a balance that is struck.' He noted that he is working 'very closely' with Treasury colleagues to secure the best deal for defence.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who faces losing her job under a Burnham government, defended her record on defence spending during a visit to Ukraine. She said: 'I'm already the Chancellor that's overseen the biggest uplift in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, but recognising the scale of the challenge we face today, we need to increase that amount further.' She confirmed the Dip would be published 'imminently' and ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.
Former Defence Chief Calls for 'Wartime Prime Minister' Approach
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, former Chief of the Defence Staff, told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that the next leader must operate 'almost like a wartime prime minister' given global threats. He urged Burnham to 'keep our country safe, acknowledge that you have this extraordinary responsibility,' and invest in what truly ensures security.
Radakin also stressed the importance of the UK's image to adversaries, saying: 'As well as having the Makerfield test, I would say it's the Moscow test. What do we look like to Moscow? Do we look like a strong member of the NATO alliance? Do we look like a strong nuclear power? Do we look like a strong ally of America? Because those are the elements that keep us safe.'
