Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a political conundrum over the UK's defence spending plans, with a looming Nato summit in Ankara on July 7 threatening to expose divisions within the Labour Party. The delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which outlines how much Britain will spend on defence, must be presented to allies, but Starmer's caretaker status limits his ability to make binding commitments.
Starmer announced on Monday that nominations for the Labour leadership contest will open on July 9, just days after the summit. This means his likely successor, Andy Burnham, cannot take over before the meeting or review the DIP himself. Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo has warned against any 'creative' decisions during the interregnum, preventing Starmer from tying Burnham's hands.
The standoff has reportedly led to awkward conversations between Starmer and Burnham. If Starmer presents a weak plan—such as the rumoured 2.7% of GDP spending target—Donald Trump may publicly humiliate him. Yet Burnham cannot represent the UK at the summit, leaving Britain potentially looking unserious to allies and pleasing Vladimir Putin.
Critics argue the fault lies with Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves for failing to finalise the DIP last autumn. The delay contributed to the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, which many see as sealing Starmer's fate. Some suggest Starmer is trying to secure his legacy, but the inadequate plan is unlikely to be remembered fondly.
Starmer's legacy already includes rebuilding the party and winning a landslide, but also botched welfare reforms and general dithering. His social media ban for under-16s was passed just in time, but may need completion by Burnham. Starting a war with his successor over a flawed defence plan seems a puzzling choice, observers note.
