Keir Starmer faced a blistering attack on live TV as Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle labelled the potential timing of the Government's defence investment plan an 'utter disgrace'. The Speaker issued a stark warning over rumours that the long-awaited plan could be published on Friday, when MPs are not sitting in Parliament.
Speaker's Scathing Intervention
In an extraordinary intervention from the Commons Chamber, Sir Lindsay Hoyle addressed speculation that the defence investment plan would be unveiled on a non-sitting day. He declared: 'There are strong rumours that the Government is going to produce its defence investment plan on Friday. That would be an utter disgrace and an utter kick in the face to the members of this House. I will say to Downing Street, Government's responsibility in the ministerial code states major announcements should be made here.'
The Speaker continued: 'Once again, this may be speculation, and I am sure it will be corrected, but I will be appalled if it is done on a Friday when members have been waiting so long.'
Opposition Outrage
Opposition MPs reacted with fury to the rumoured timing, which falls on a day when Parliament is not sitting, preventing proper oversight. The defence investment plan, which outlines the Government's military spending strategy, was initially scheduled for last autumn but has faced repeated delays, according to the Express.
Ministers have pledged it would be published before the Nato summit on July 7, but have refused to give a precise date. Defence Minister Luke Pollard failed to dismiss the Friday timing when pressed by shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge.
Mr Cartlidge said: 'There has been considerable speculation that the Dip may be published on Friday. This House is not sitting on Friday. Let's be clear, with war on two fronts, this is not just another Government publication, but given the context, a vital moment for our country and for this Parliament. So, does the minister understand that it would be totally unacceptable to all colleagues if the defence investment plan was published on a day when the House is not sitting?'
The minister replied that the plan would be released 'before the Nato summit in only a few weeks' time,' but refused to rule out Friday.
Labour MP Raises Concerns
Tan Dhesi, Labour MP and chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, also questioned whether the plan would be unveiled 'in this chamber to enable proper parliamentary scrutiny'. Mr Pollard answered: 'I'm absolutely certain that he will have heard the commitments given by the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary. I look forward to the debates in this House on the defence investment plan, when it's published.'
