Plans to replace Britain’s ageing warships have reportedly been scrapped from the long-delayed defence investment plan, prioritising drones and modernising the armed forces. Funding for up to eight Type 83 destroyers and five Type 32 frigates will not appear in the blueprint Sir Keir Starmer unveils within days as he tries to shore up his legacy before leaving No 10, The Sunday Times reported.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is understood to have secured an additional £1 billion for the plan, after predecessor John Healey resigned over a funding row earlier this month. This brings the total settlement to at least £14.5 billion, an uplift on the £13.5 billion rejected by Mr Healey, but still short of the £28 billion officials previously said was needed.
