Dan Jarvis has said the Ministry of Defence must find £11bn worth of cuts as part of the defence investment plan (DIP).
These cuts are expected to come from reducing the armed forces workforce as well as cutting back spending on consultancy and expanding the use of technology and digital tools and techniques to boost efficiency.
The defence secretary has said there would be “tough choices” as he unveiled the full details of the £15 billion DIP, which has already faced criticism despite Sir Keir Starmer’s hopes to cement a more positive legacy as he announces it before his premiership ends.
The prime minister announced a £5 billion boost in new military weapons as part of the full settlement of £14.5 billion, rounded up by an extra billion pounds. Critics have called the boost a “drop in the ocean” when compared to the £28 billion many defence officials have said is needed.
Road and energy projects are set to be scrapped to pay for the military, the prime minister acknowledged.
Donald Trump warned the UK and Nato allies on Monday to abide by the five per cent defence pledge.
Key Points
- £11bn in efficiencies must be found
- Defence spending: The key takeaways from Starmer’s plan to protect Britain
- Analysis: Keir Starmer makes his last stand as PM with a case for the defence
- Starmer: We are facing a more dangerous and volatile world than at any time for decades
- Trump warns UK to abide by five per cent defence pledge
- Defence boost criticised as 'too little, too late' by shadow defence secretary
Starmer unveils widely-criticised defence investment plan: The Independent reports from Maidenhead
18:10 , Dan Haygarth
DIP risks putting a 'brake on economic growth', defence secretary told
17:48 , Dan Haygarth
Cutting roads investment to fund war readiness risks putting a “brake on economic growth”, the defence secretary has been told.
Dan Jarvis said “tough choices” had been made to fund his ministry’s 80-page Defence Investment Plan (Dip), which includes an extra £15 billion investment into defence.
All Government departments “were asked to contribute 1% of their capital budgets from this year” towards the Dip, he told the Commons.
Mr Jarvis added: “Those with larger resources – the DfT (Department for Transport) roads budget and Desnz (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) – were asked to make further contributions.”
But Labour MP Jonathan Davies urged ministers to consider how to make sure the “economy is thriving”, so the Treasury has more money on offer for defence in the future.
He said one “casualty” of the cuts could be a plan to upgrade junctions on the A38 through Derby, between Birmingham and the M1 at Mansfield.
The scheme was included in the Government’s £27 billion road investment strategy for England earlier this year, and is designed to “reduce congestion and improve safety”.
Mr Davies, the Mid Derbyshire MP, added: “Some local people would welcome that scheme not going ahead, particularly on environmental grounds, but others will see that cancellation as a brake on economic growth.
“Now, we need economic growth to fund our defence.
“So, will (Mr Jarvis) work with me to influence the Treasury and DfT that we need more investment in Derby, so that our economy is thriving and we can contribute to defence through public expenditure in the future?”
Mr Jarvis replied: “Tough choices have had to be made, as I mentioned earlier.”
He later added: “Given the nature of the world in which we’re operating, the Government has an absolute responsibility to ensure that we make those tough choices, we reprioritise resource and activity in order to best safeguard the security of our nation.
“That is what we’ve had to do in this Dip.”
Full story: Britain not safe under Starmer’s new defence plan, John Healey suggests
17:32 , Daniel Haygarth
Sir Keir Starmer’s new Defence Investment Plan (DIP) won’t keep Britain safe, according to the former defence secretary who resigned over a lack of funding for the military, and has now urged the government to “do more” to bolster Britain’s defences.
John Healey – who quit earlier this month after accusing the prime minister of being “unwilling to commit the resources” needed to keep Britain safe – suggested the final funding settlement of 2.7 per cent of GDP was not enough and urged the government to set out a target date for the UK to spend 3 per cent on defence.
While the £15bn of funding allocated in the long-delayed DIP is £1.5bn more than the £13.5bn offer that was presented to Mr Healey a few weeks ago, it still falls well short of the £28bn officials wanted.
And with Sir Keir set to leave office within weeks, there is no guarantee that the funding set out today will still stand under the next prime minister.
Read more:
Britain not safe under Starmer’s new defence plan, John Healey suggests
Recap: Defence bonds ruled out in DIP
17:12 , Daniel Haygarth
Sir Keir Starmer ruled out using more borrowing to fund defence, amid calls from the Liberal Democrats and others for the Government to issue “defence bonds”.
The prime minister said the Government had looked “very carefully” at the proposal, but dismissed defence bonds as “borrowing by another name”.
He said: “The fact is doing this through borrowing would push interest rates higher at a time when one pound in every 10 already goes on paying debt interest.”
Analysis: Starmer makes his last stand with a case for the defence
17:00 , Dan Haygarth
Political editor David Maddox suggests that Keir Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan is less a legacy and more a monument to the failures – which means he will soon no longer be prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer will be out of office in just a few weeks, but even as he heads to the exit door in fairly humiliating style, he has decided to make one last stand to create a legacy for his premiership by unveiling the long-awaited – and long-delayed – Defence Improvement Plan (DIP).
In some ways, it reflects everything that went wrong with his premiership. Sir Keir today revealed a reasoned and costed plan which, if communicated well, would be a positive story about how he is revamping the armed forces with record investment.
But the whole thing is overshadowed by the recent resignations of his former defence secretary John Healey and ex-armed forces minister Al Carns over the failure to meet the necessary ambitions with cash.
Read more:
Starmer makes his last stand with a case for the defence
John Rentoul: Do we really want to spend more on defence?
16:30 , Bryony Gooch
Do we really want to spend more on defence?
Three in five voters think Burnham not ready for No 10, poll finds
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
More than half of voters think Andy Burnham is not ready to be prime minister but are willing to give him “a hearing”, a poll has found.
A survey by More in Common found 59 per cent of Britons did not think the Makerfield MP was ready for power.
But the public still sees him as more ready than either Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage, with 62 per cent and 66 per cent respectively saying the two leaders were unready.
With a net favourability of 0 per cent, Mr Burnham remains more popular than any other party leader, although 45 per cent of people have no view about him.
The public is also split on whether he would do a good job in Downing Street, with 27 per cent believing he would and 25 per cent saying he would not.
More in Common’s executive director Luke Tryl said the figures showed Britons were “willing to give Andy Burnham a hearing, but the window for him to turn that rehearing into a reset for the Government is narrow”.
Jarvis denies chief of defence staff doesn't back the investment plan
15:47 , Bryony Gooch
Defence secretary Dan Jarvis denies reports that there has already been dissent about the defence investment plan (DIP) among the chiefs of staff.
Liberal Democrat Al Pinkerton asked Mr Jarvis to respond to reports that the chief of defence staff had told him to remove a line from his speech stating they had backed the DIP.
Mr Jarvis responded simply: “That isn't correct. All of the chiefs support the DIP.”
Groans in the House of Commons as Jarvis refuses to confirm whether treasury has guaranteed 'vague' spending commitments
15:38 , Bryony Gooch
Members of the House of Commons audibly groaned as Dan Jarvis responded to a question from Liberal Democrats MP Mike Martin (Tunbridge Wells) about the “vague” spending commitments made from 2030 to 2035 in the defence investment plan (DIP)
“This is a tale of two DIPs,” Mr Martin said. “The first DIP is covered by the period in the current spending route to about 2030 and the second DIP is the bit beyond that, from 2030 to 2035.
“The first has detailed spending commitments, and the latter has quite vague spending commitments,” he explains. “So, can the Secretary of State guarantee to the House on behalf of the government, no matter who might be in it by that point, that the treasury has guaranteed those figures, and they will be in the next spending review?
“That is, that the defence section of the next spending review has already been written?”
Mr Jarvis said: “With great respect to him, I know that he will understand it isn't for me to make guarantees on behalf of other government departments, including, of course, the Treasury.
“I don't think any minister would be in a position to do that outside of the Treasury,” he said. “What I can guarantee him is that in the time that I've had available, I've looked very carefully at the mix of capabilities contained within the plan, I have made a number of changes in order to deliver capabilities that I thought were required sooner rather than later.
“Has that involved making some difficult, difficult choices? Yes, it has. Has it involved cutting some capabilities? Yes, it has.”
Jarvis continues to avoid questions about whether Burnham has seen or had any connection with investment plan
15:32 , Bryony Gooch
Dan Jarvis continues to avoid questions about whether Makerfield MP Andy Burnham, likely to be the next prime minister, has had any sign off or interaction with the defence investment plan.
Asked by an MP if Mr Jarvis “would be able to give us industry, our enemies, the markets, the whole country a great deal more confidence” by answering the question about whether Mr Burnham signed this off, he said: “I can be confident, because I can have confidence in the longstanding record and history of Labor governments investing in defense that gives me confidence.”
MP for 'Home of the British Army' questions lack of industrial capacity on the ground
15:27 , Bryony Gooch
Alex Baker, Labour MP for Aldershot, the home of the British Army has pointed out concerns that on the ground her constituency still lacks the industrial capacity to spend any invested money.
“I'm confident that we will make good on that commitment in the context of the next spending review and a down payment on the future of towns like mine in Aldershot and Farnborough.
“But as much as we wrangle over percentages of GDP, on the ground, we still lack the industrial capacity to actually spend this money and build more defense companies in my patch and across the supply chain cannot access the finance they need to hire more people and expand production.
“Which is why I've been campaigning for over a year for the UK to join the defence security and resilience bank,” she said.
“Does the secretary of state recognize this challenge, and what are we going to do to increase our industrial capacity?”
Plan will be judged by whether those in the armed forces support it, defence secretary says
15:08 , Bryony Gooch
Defence secretary Dan Jarvis told MPs that the success of the defence investment plan (Dip) will be judged by whether those in the armed forces support it.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, he said: “Ultimately, the success of this defence investment plan will be measured by whether it commands the support of those amazing men and women who serve in our armed forces.
“They remain our most important asset, respected by those who stand with us, feared by those who stand against us. We know that they are equal to any task, and with this defence investment plan, we give them the means to match their courage.”
Mr Jarvis thanked the prime minister and the Chancellor “for their support and the spirit of goodwill which has guided our negotiations over the past fortnight”.
He said: “They have, for two years, demonstrated steadfast commitment to our national security, and our armed forces are today better prepared and better supported as a consequence of that.”
He also paid tributed to his predecessor John Healey, highlighting that £1.5 billion more has been raised for defence between his resignation and the publication of the Dip.
Ex defence secretary warns more needs doing to hit three per cent target
14:56 , Bryony Gooch
John Healey has said he welcomes the extra money the treasury has ceded since he exited his position as defence secretary, but more needs doing to hit the three per cent target.
“But threats are still growing, demands on defense are still rising in this dangerous world, and today's step means that we will be spending as a nation 2.7 per cent of GDP on defense in 2030 the date that NATO now warns we could face a Russian attack.
“So, with European security at stake, would my right hon friends agree that more needs to be done in the months ahead, beyond the dip, to develop a clear credible funding plan that will hit 3 per cent and that will meet our NATO commitment to 3.5 per cent by 2035?”
Defence spending: The key takeaways from Starmer’s plan to protect Britain
14:54 , Bryony Gooch
The key takeaways from the defence spending plan
Shadow defence secretary decries defence investment plan as securing Starmer's 'legacy of failure'
14:53 , Bryony Gooch
James Cartlidge stepped up to criticise the defence investment plan (DIP), which he said was only released out of a “desperate search of legacy”.
“To conclude, after months of dither and delay, it's taken the sudden end of his premiership for the prime minister to finally publish the DIP in a desperate search for a legacy, but it's a legacy of failure.”
£330m investment in critical underwater infrastructure
14:51 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent
The MoD will invest £330m into critical underwater infrastructure protection to tackle hostile activity in and around UK waters, as well as spending an additional £1.5bn over the next four years on Atlantic Bastion, the Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO against the “persistent and growing underwater threat from a modernising Russian submarine force.”
Launched in December 2025, Atlantic Bastion creates an “advanced hybrid naval force to defend the UK and NATO allies against evolving threats”.
The extra £1.5bn in funding will “enable the UK to find, track and, if required, act against adversaries with unprecedented effectiveness across vast areas of ocean”, the DIP said.
It comes after the UK responded to “increased Russian activity” near crucial UK cables and pipelines in the Atlantic north of Britain in April this year.
£64bn upgrade to Britain’s nuclear deterrent
14:50 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent
Sir Keir said the investment in “renewing” the UK’s nuclear deterrent would include spending on new Dreadnought submarines, a new sovereign warhead and 12 F35-A jets capable of carry nuclear weapons.
The new Dreadnought submarines will see four boats replace the current Vanguard class from the 2030s, while Sir Keir announced plans to buy nuclear-capable jets at last year’s Nato summit in The Hague.
Some of the money for the nuclear deterrent will also form part of a decade-long £26 billion overhaul of naval bases at Faslane, Portsmouth and Devonport, dubbed “Project Royal Oak”.
“The SDR made clear that a modernised nuclear deterrent is essential for the defence of the UK.
It underpins our security in a new nuclear age and worsening security environment, characterised by Russia’s aggression, China’s nuclear expansion, and North Korea’s destabilising weapons programme”, the DIP says.
“As one of only three nuclear powers in NATO, the UK provides the ultimate guarantee of security for itself and its NATO allies. We are the only European nation which declares our nuclear deterrent to NATO.”
£5bn for “drone transformation” for the armed forces
14:49 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent
Learning the lessons from both Ukraine and Iran, Sir Keir pledged more than £5bn of spending over the next four years to fund a “drone transformation” for the armed forces.
Some £650m will be spent on combat and surveillance drones for land forces, which Sir Keir said would help increase the Army’s “lethality” ten-fold.
There will also be funding for a “hybrid” Royal Navy, with smaller, autonomous vessels working alongside crewed ships.
And the prime minister pledged more than £8bn for the Global Combat Air Programme to create a next-generation stealth fighter jet for the Royal Air Force in concert with Japan and Italy. The new jet will also be supported by smaller autonomous “wingmen”, invisible to enemy radar, he added.
By 2030, £3.2bn will also be spent on novel technologies, including AI and autonomous systems, which represents 10 per cent of the MOD’s annual Equipment Programme budget as part of an attempt to create an Armed Forces fit for the modern age.
Storm shadows to be retired as part of ‘tough choices’
14:48 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent
Storm Shadow missiles - Anglo-French long range, air-launched cruise missiles which allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia - will be retired as part of a series of “tough choices” being made by the MoD.
The DIP sets out that while Storm Shadow missiles have plated a “vital role” for the Armed Forces, ministers are “now pivoting to the next generation of low-cost cruise missiles, meaning we will get significantly more missiles at a reduced overall cost.”
“Alongside these types of weapons, Stratus missiles will be the future of the UK’s complex weapons programme, delivering long range strikes against complex targets”, it adds.
The Stratus joint missile programme with France and Italy is working to develop a next generation stealth replacement to the Storm Shadow missile.
The DIP also sets out plans for the early retirement of Wildcat battlefield reconnaissance helicopters from 2027 and the oldest Chinooks as they reach maintenance milestones, cutbacks which the DIP said would be “offset by investment in Projects NYX and CORVUA, New Medium Helicopter and planned future purchases of newer Chinooks.”
Older Type 23 Frigates will also enter phased retirement up to 2033, while at least seven new ships will come online during that period.
The trade-offs also include plans to slow the pace of meeting the SDR recommendation to increase cadets by 30 per cent, something which will now not be achieved by 2030. Instead, the MoD will aim to meet this target by 2035.
£11bn in efficiencies must be found
14:47 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent
Defence secretary Dan Jarvis admitted that “tough choices” would be necessary to make sure the armed forces are fit for the modern era, with the MoD having to find £11bn worth of efficiencies by 2039.“
Increased spending is only half the story. We have made tough choices, to stop doing things which were designed for another age, and invest in capabilities fit for the next war, not the last one”, Mr Jarvis wrote in the foreword to the DIP.
The nearly £11bn worth of efficiencies will include £3.3bn worth of savings through civilian workforce changes - including a target to cut workforce costs by at least 10 per cent by 2030.
There are also plans to move regular personnel from administrative into frontline roles, alongside a goal to automate at least 20 per cent of HR, finance, and commercial functions by July 2028. Some £2bn worth of savings will come from infrastructure, while £3.7bn will come through reforms to acquisition and supply chain processes.
Defence sources insisted that the efficiency savings are “not directly connected to the spending uplift”, with the £15bn increase in spending power not conditional on the savings.
UK won’t hit 3 per cent by 2030
14:47 , Bryony Gooch
Millie Cooke, political correspondent
Britain is not projected to spend three per cent of GDP on defence by 2030, the DIP reveals, with the MoD expected to hit just 2.7 per cent.
However, the DIP also makes clear the government’s intention to increase defence spending to 3 per cent in the next Parliament, adding that funding and plans will be “set out at the next spending review, where defence will be the number one priority”.
While defence sources insisted it is “incredible unusual for the Treasury specify what their top priority is ahead of the next spending review”, Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard would not say whether or not Andy Burnham - who is expected to take over as prime minister within the next few weeks - had agreed to make defence the top priority at the next spending review, meaning there is no guarantee that the commitment will stand.
Mr Pollard also insisted that Britain is “still committed” to spending 3.5 per cent of GDP on core defence by 2035.
Jarvis explains £5bn spending on drones and autonomous weapons, as well as AI investments
14:43 , Bryony Gooch
£5 billion will be dedicated to strike, protector, and surveillance drones across the Royal Navy, the Army, and the RAF, anti-submarine vessels, uncrewed ground vehicles, and fighter jets.
It will also be invested in a new uncrewed systems task force to rapidly develop and field new autonomous capabilities and funding for Europe's biggest drone testing site in Swindon.
Nearly £2 billion will be invested to integrate armed forces “through a new digital targeting web underpinned by the most advanced AI and software, cutting the time from decision to strike faster than ever before”, Mr Jarvis said.
£100 million will be allocated for the Defense AI task force, and another £115 million to raise our defenses against the threats from AI.
Minister criticises 'uncertainty' of road project near constituency as defence spending eats into road and energy works
14:38 , Bryony Gooch
A minister has criticised “uncertainty” over a road project near his constituency following the announcement some construction projects would be scrapped to pay for increased defence spending.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said in a post on X: “I am disappointed by the uncertainty today about the A46 Newark Bypass widening scheme.
“I support further funding for the Dip (Defence Investment Plan), but the A46 upgrade programme is well advanced, long awaited, excellent value for money and of strategic importance to both Lincoln and the region.”
He added that, once Labour had chosen a new leader, he would seek an “urgent meeting” with the new prime minister, chancellor and transport secretary “to discuss this decision and explore whether there is a credible route forward for this vital project”.
£298 bn invested over the next four years, Jarvis claims
14:37 , Bryony Gooch
Dan Jarvis has claimed that the defence investment plan will commit £298 billion over the next four years.
“That includes an additional £15 billion on top of last year's spending review settlement, of which most is extra day-to-day spending for training and improving availability of ships and aircraft to increase our war fighting readiness, that is £1.5 billion more than when I took up this job just a couple of weeks ago.
“This means that defense spending will now increase in real terms by 27 per cent between 2023 and 2024 and 2029 and 2030 that is a bigger increase across a parliament than any present member of this house has ever seen.
“It means the £74 billion allocated to our armed forces next year is now £20 billion more than the last year of the previous government and it means by the end of this decade the proportion of GDP spent on defense will now be higher than at any time during the last 30 years.”
Jarvis thanks prime minister and chancellor for 'support' in negotiations
14:35 , Bryony Gooch
Defence secretary Dan Jarvis has opened his speech with thanks to the prime minister and chancellor for “support” in negotiations for the defence investment plan.
“I also want to place on the record my profound thanks to my right hon friends, Prime Minister and the Chancellor, for their support and the spirit of goodwill, which has guided our negotiations over the past fortnight.
“They have for two years demonstrated steadfast commitment to our national security, and our armed forces are today better prepared and better supported as a consequence of that.”
Ex defence secretary warns government needs to set out a clear path to meet Nato target
14:18 , Bryony Gooch
Former defence secretary John Healey, who quit in a row over funding, said the government still had to set out a clear path to meet its Nato target.
Writing on social media site X he said: “Today is the next downpayment for defence. It builds on the record defence investment Labour in government has already made.
“But Britain will still be spending just 2.7 per cent of GDP in 2030, the date when Nato has warned we could face a Russian attack.
“European security is at stake. The PM has said today that 3 per cent must be the number 1 priority for the next spending review.
“We need a target date for 3 per cent and a clear, credible funding plan to meet our Nato commitment for 3.5 per cent on defence by 2035.”
I want the Defence Investment Plan to be a success. And I thank the MOD officials who've worked so hard over many months on it. I welcome the extra funding and focus the Treasury has ceded over the last couple of weeks. (1/6)
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) June 30, 2026
Analysis: Starmer makes his last stand with a case for the defence
14:00 , Bryony Gooch
Political editor David Maddox suggests that Keir Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is less a legacy and more a monument to the failures which means he will soon no longer be prime minister.
Read more here:
Starmer makes his last stand with a case for the defence
Watch: Starmer unveils widely-criticised defence investment plan: The Independent reports from Maidenhead
13:45 , Bryony Gooch
Lib Dems: Starmer's legacy involves hard choices for defence chiefs and military heroes in mouldy homes
13:33 , Bryony Gooch
Responding to Keir Starmer's speech on the Defence Investment Plan today, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said that the prime minister’s decision would leave military personnel in substandard accommodation while failing to raise enough needed.
"Keir Starmer has taken the political choice to leave our military heroes in mouldy homes and barracks, to undermine our security, and to put jobs and business investment at risk across the country. Defence chiefs have been forced into hard choices, instead of being given what they need.
"This was the Conservatives' legacy, and now it is Keir Starmer's.
"The Liberal Democrats' plans for defence bonds would raise £20 billion for investment in our Armed Forces, but Starmer has once again put his fingers in his ears. Andy Burnham needs to go much further and take up our plans to repair the damage done, keep our country safe, and allow the UK to meet its NATO commitments."
Watch: Defence investment plan funded by 1% cuts in capital budgets across government, says Starmer
13:25 , Bryony Gooch
Defence spending to increase to £80bn by 2029, prime minister says
13:10 , Bryony Gooch
Annual defence spending will increase from £54 billion when Labour came to power to £80 billion by 2029, Sir Keir Starmer said.
The plan reversed the “corrosive hollowing out” of the armed forces, he said in a speech at a drone company in Berkshire.
Starmer tours drone factory in sombre mood after defence investment plan launch
13:00 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer toured a drone factory in Berkshire after launching the defence investment plan.
The Prime Minister appeared in a sombre mood after finishing his speech, which touched on his legacy in office.
He shook hands with chancellor Rachel Reeves, defence secretary Dan Jarvis and Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the defence staff, who had been in the audience.
Not long afterwards, as he toured the factory floor, Sir Keir spoke to staff about the warfighting robots made at the business.
When he was shown an early prototype drone that appeared to be made of wood, the prime minister joked about it being the equivalent of “people with feathers on their arms” trying to fly, when compared with top-of-the-range models.
He also made a light-hearted comment that he would like to stay to see a drone display, but he was “worried about getting back in time” for defence secretary Mr Jarvis’s statement to the House of Commons about the spending plan.
Nato chief says defence investment plan a 'good step' towards GDP target
12:57 , Bryony Gooch
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has welcomed the UK’s defence investment plan.
“I welcome the UK’s Defence Investment Plan. Stronger UK defence makes us all safer. This is a good step towards reaching the 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence agreed in The Hague last year Defence spending and production will be an important focus of the #NATOsummit next week”.
I welcome the UK’s Defence Investment Plan. Stronger UK defence makes us all safer. This is a good step towards reaching the 3.5% of GDP on defence agreed in The Hague last year
— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) June 30, 2026
Defence spending and production will be an important focus of the #NATOsummit next week
In pictures: Sir Keir Starmer steps up to deliver investment plan speech
12:45 , Bryony Gooch
Starmer tours drone factory in sombre mood after defence investment plan launch
12:39 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer toured a drone factory in Berkshire after launching the defence investment plan.
The Prime Minister appeared in a sombre mood after finishing his speech, which touched on his legacy in office.
He shook hands with chancellor Rachel Reeves, defence secretary Dan Jarvis and Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the defence staff, who had been in the audience.
Not long afterwards, as he toured the factory floor, Sir Keir spoke to staff about the warfighting robots made at the business.
When he was shown an early prototype drone that appeared to be made of wood, the prime minister joked about it being the equivalent of “people with feathers on their arms” trying to fly, when compared with top-of-the-range models.
He also made a light-hearted comment that he would like to stay to see a drone display, but he was “worried about getting back in time” for defence secretary Mr Jarvis’s statement to the House of Commons about the spending plan.
Watch: Starmer: 'Any Labour prime minister will stand behind defence investment plan'
12:30 , Bryony Gooch
Daily operations and maintenance missed in investment plan, ex-commodore warns
12:15 , Bryony Gooch
RUSI associate fellow retired commodore Steve Prest has said that while news about drone investment is positive, it remains to be seen how sufficient this will be.
“The announcements about drones and setting up this centre of excellence and testing in Swindon is pretty good news. It's the right direction of travel.
“We've seen in a range of conflicts recently how these sorts of technologies are changing some of the ways in which war is fought, and so it's absolutely necessary…Is it sufficient? Well, I think that's a really big question.”
While the investment emphasises unmanned technology, day-to-day operations funding appears to be missing from the investment.
Mr Prest said: “The Chief of Defence staff, air chief marshal Sir Richard Knighton said to the House of Lords Committee just the other week that he was really concerned that there was an adequacy and insufficiency of day-to-day spending money, so-called resource and departmental expenditure limits, and that without an uplift in that, and there's no sign of that coming in any of the reporting …
“So the UK military is going to have to dial back its day-to-day operations, training, exercise and deployment activities.
“So while some of this is very welcome, actually there's a whole load of underpinning budgetary misalignment not least this day-to-day expenditure but also money for maintenance.
“All five of our nuclear attack submarines are stuck alongside for want of maintenance facilities and the engineering support necessary to get them to see I mean, I think that's a national scandal, but there we are.”
Road and energy projects get scrapped for £15bn plan
11:59 , Bryony Gooch
Road and energy projects are set to be scrapped to pay for the military, the prime minister acknowledged.
Sir Keir said: “When the world is arming and aggression is rising, the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it.
“The best way to defend is to deter, to have the strength to make your adversaries think again before they act.
“And that is what we are doing.”
Watch: Starmer announces extra £15bn for armed forces in defence investment plan unveiling
11:40 , Bryony Gooch
DIP shouldn't come at the expense of UK aid, warns charity
11:39 , Bryony Gooch
As the prime minister set out the defence investment plan, a UK network for NGOs has called on the government to make sure any boost doesn’t come at the expense of UK aid.
Gideon Rabinowitz, director of policy and advocacy at Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said: “Keeping communities at home and abroad safe cannot rely on defence spending alone. The conflicts that threaten global peace and force people to flee their homes are often rooted in poverty, inequality, and fragility. UK aid saves lives and addresses the underlying drivers of instability, reducing the conditions that allow conflict and insecurity to take hold.
“By investing in measures to prevent conflicts from breaking out in the first place, we can save British taxpayers money in the long run.
“That is why senior former military chiefs are right to warn that cutting the UK aid budget to fund an increase in defence spending is a ‘false economy’ that would diminish the UK’s valuable soft power and legitimacy on the global stage.
“The next prime minister should see international development and humanitarian assistance as essential tools for building a safer, more stable world that ultimately makes us all more secure.”
Starmer defends Reeves for 'wrangling' between departments and treasury
11:36 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer defended Rachel Reeves’s actions as chancellor as he acknowledged “wrangling” between government departments and the treasury.
Asked about comments by Andy Burnham arguing departments should spend less time battling the treasury, the prime minister said Ms Reeves had put the economy “on a stable footing”.
Arguing the UK been less affected by the Iran war than it would have been otherwise, he said: “I’m very proud of Rachel in relation to that.
“To have stabilised our economy in two short years after what we picked up means that I can depart the stage – because it’s the end of my journey, it’s not the end of anybody else’s – but I depart knowing that we have left this country in a better state than we got it.
“Are there wranglings between departments and the treasury? Yes, of course there are, always have been, always will be.
“Because at the end of the day, the prime minister and the chancellor have to look at the overall judgments for the government, the overall affordability and prioritise between different things.
“Departments of course will put forward, in good faith, the commitments they think we should make, (I) understand that, but what we have to do is judge them against what we can afford, what the priorities of the country are.”
Sign on the wall reads ‘final inspection’ as Starmer gave last major speech
11:30 , Bryony Gooch
Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor reporting from Maidenhead
In the end, what is likely to be the last big speech by Keir Starmer in office, on the defence investment plan, was a strangely muted affair.
Sir Keir was a notably more relaxed Prime Minister than we have seen before. He even laughed as he mistakenly called a question from Beth Rigby and claimed she worked for Sky Sports instead of Sky News.
Perhaps Sir Keir, a fanatical Arsenal supporter, is already looking ahead to watching more football when he leaves No 10. He defiantly defended his legacy as he set out his controversial defence plans.
These have already seen the government lose one defence secretary - and have been criticised by former defence chiefs. He also defenced Rachel Reeves’ legacy, days before she is also expected to lose her job under a new Prime Minister.
Of course, the spectre at the feast was Andy Burnham. The next PM will take up the job within weeks. And his choices will help define how Sir Keir’s time in charge is remembered. For his part, Sir Keir said he wanted “more than anything” for Mr Burnham to succeed.
As he gave the speech, inside a building on an airfield - with planes outside taking off just as his administration comes in to land - a sign on the wall read “Aircraft Final Inspection”.
On his own final inspection, his critics and supporters might feel they could argue this speech showcased the pros and cons of the man who has been at the top of the government for the last two years.
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Analysis: Keir Starmer makes his last stand as PM with a case for the defence
11:20 , Bryony Gooch
David Maddox, political editor
Keir Starmer will be out of office in just a few weeks time with Andy Burnham set to be the next holder of the great office of prime minister.
But even as he heads to the exit door in fairly humiliating style, Sir Keir has decided to make one last stand to create a legacy for his premiership by unveiling the long awaited and much delayed Defence Improvement Plan (Dip).
In some ways it reflects everything that went wrong with his premiership. Sir Keir today has revealed a reasoned and costed Dip which with some good communications would be a positive story about how he is turning around the armed forces with record investment.
But the whole thing is overshadowed by the resignations last month of his former defence secretary John Healey and ex-armed forces minister Al Carns over the failure to meet the necessary ambitions with cash.
The outgoing PM himself dithered for months and months over an argument between the Treasury and Ministry of Defence. And even at the last minute his new defence secretary Dan Jarvis forced him into a mini U-turn to find an extra £1.5bn.
As last stands go this would barely register even as a pyrrhic victory. His troops have mostly deserted him or been lost in political battle and the document he is announcing is likely to be rewritten by his successor.
The infamous General Custer would have sympathy with the embattled soon to be former PM such is the inevitability of his situation. In some ways it is surprising that the Dip was unveiled at all.
Starmer 'proud' of investment in military personnel amid concerns DIP takes from military housing funds
11:18 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has affirmed the government has invested in military housing amid reports that an extra billion pounds was procured for the defence investment plan by taking from the money set to upgrade substandard military accommodation.
“Firstly, let me start by saying we have put a lot of money into military housing, and I'm proud that we've had very important reviews,” he said, adding that military personnel had seen pay increases.
“We will continue to do that, of course. We have to balance that against investment in the military capability that we need, but in relation to money we have put into housing, in relation to payables we have already made. I'm proud that we made those. We made it to reflect what we know our armed services give to our country, of which we are very thankful and very proud.”
Starmer ‘certain’ next PM will stick to his plan
11:14 , Bryony Gooch
Athena Stavrou, political reporter
Sir Keir Starmer has insisted his successor in No 10 will remain committed to his defence investment plan.
The outgoing prime minister said he “hand on heart” believes his government has “passed on a better country than one I inherited”, and said he want “more than anything” for his successor to have “every prospect of success”.
“As for the future, I have no doubt that all Labour governments will remain that number one commitment to our defence and security,” he said “Labour governments have always done that, and always will do that. And I'm absolutely certain, therefore, that this is a platform on which whoever comes after me can build.”
Starmer calls investment the 'biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the 1980s
11:03 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has claimed the government is “already delivering the biggest sustained increase in defense spending since the 1980s.
“£270 billion over the spending review period, and I can announce today that under the defense investment plan we are increasing this by a further £15 billion, setting a new record of spending almost £300 billion over the next four years to back our armed forces and strengthen our national security.”
Keir Starmer sets a benchmark for his successor
10:55 , Bryony Gooch
Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor in Maidenhead
Sir Keir Starmer warned Andy Burnham that Labour ministers had brought inflation and mortgage rates down and “we should not sacrifice that now”.
During his speech, he said: “This government has fought hard to bring the public finances under control, and it has paid off helping to bring inflation and mortgage rates down, we should not sacrifice that now.”
‘A legacy in which I take pride’
10:54 , Bryony Gooch
Athena Stavrou, political reporter
Sir Keir Starmer has touted his record on defence a “legacy in which I take pride” as he makes what could be his final speech as prime minister.
The outgoing PM confirmed the defence investment plan would provide a further £15 billion, referring to the “huge focus on the numbers” of the plan in recent weeks.
“By any measure, this is a huge historic shift for our nation, and a legacy in which I take pride,” he said.
“And we must use this investment wisely, because I know that in the past defence spending has sometimes been seen as a bottomless pit, people see the money going in, but they don't feel the benefits, so this time must be different.
“We can't just spend more, we've got to spend better.”
Starmer dismisses calls to slash public services in favour of defence
10:52 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed arguments that public services must be cut in favour of defence.
“Strong public finances are a fundamental part of our strength in this world. Lose control of them, we're not just poorer, we're much less secure,” he warned. “Slash funding to our public services in favour of defence, and we would be fundamentally as a nation or fractured as a society, less able to defend ourselves when our enemies prey on social division.
“So the hard truth is there are no easy answers, but the settlement I am setting out today is the right choice for the country.
“It delivers the decisive action we need on defense in a way that is within our fiscal rules and that will not take resources away from day-to-day spending on frontline services like health and education, instead it's funded by reallocating spending from across government departments, reallocating capital budgets by one penny in every pound, while still maintaining public investment at the highest sustained levels since the 1970s it means departments making better use of allocate and underused land.”
Keir Starmer hits out at critics on defence funding
10:50 , Bryony Gooch
David Maddox, political editor
The outgoing prime minister insisted that he and his government “have fought hard to bring the public finances under control.”
He warned that losing control of public finances means “we are much less secure.”He hit out at those who want to “borrow on the never never” with defence bonds which is “borrowing under another name.”
Although he admits that his government did “look very carefully” at defence bonds.
He also had a side swipe at former defence secretary John Healey attacking those who want to increase defence spending at the expense of other departments.
Reeves announces £15bn defence funding increase
10:49 , Bryony Gooch
Rachel Reeves said defence funding would increase by £15 billion through “re-prioritising spending” across Government.
The chancellor said: “Last year, I made the decision in the national interest to re-prioritise aid spending towards defence and achieved the biggest uplift in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.
“That was the right choice, because the world has changed. National security is economic security.
“Today, we uplift defence spending further, an additional £15 billion worth of funding, by against re-prioritising spending across Government.”
UK must ‘stand on own two feet’, Starmer says
10:48 , Bryony Gooch
Athena Stavrou, political reporter
Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain must “stand on our own two feet” as he spoke about the changing nature of warfare and Nato.
The prime minister said the alliance is “more vital than ever”, but recognised “things have changed here too”.
He said European nations should take more responsibility for defence, and said: “These are the changes and the challenges which have defined my premiership and that will continue to shape our times.
“And look, my view has been the same since day one.
“We must stand more firmly on our own two feet, we must do what it takes to meet this new world head on, to keep our country safe and seize the opportunities that come from investing in our sovereign strength.”
Show of unity at the bitter end between PM, chancellor and defence secretary
10:46 , Bryony Gooch
David Maddox, political editor
After John Healey put the nail into Keir Starmer’s coffin as prime minister by resigning as defence secretary over the poor settlement in the Defence Investment Plan (Dip), it was important today to have a show of unity.
So after months of trying to decide whether to side with the Treasury or Ministry of Defence he needed a show of unity. That is why Sir Keir led out chancellor Rachel Reeves and new defence secretary Dan Jarvis.
Mr Jarvis, a former Paratrooper, has already rung out another £1.5bn from Ms Reeves in a few short days.
But of course all this looks too little too late.
Starmer reflects on a 'more dangerous and volatile world than at any time for decades'
10:43 , Bryony Gooch
The prime minister has opened his speech by reflecting on the volatile nature of the world at the moment.
“We see countries that are arming and tensions that are rising, a more dangerous and volatile world than at any time for decades. We see the horrendous human toll of these conflicts, which cuts across our values of justice and sovereignty, and that simple British impulse that bullies and dictators cannot be allowed to push people around now. we also know that these threats are not remote.
“We see foreign states targeting our nation as well, thugs hired by foreign powers conducting violence, vandalism, and arson on our streets.
“Disinformation aimed at sowing division and spreading lies and undermining our democracy. Russian ships targeting the underwater cables that carry the data on which modern life depends.”
Reeves welcomes 'my friend' the prime minister to the stage
10:40 , Bryony Gooch
Rachel Reeves introduced Sir Keir Starmer to the stage: “I also want to recognise, Keir, how important you have been to this work right from the beginning.
“You'll hear from the Prime Minister in a moment.
“The defence of our country in an age of insecurity has been a defining pillar of his leadership, and his absolute moral clarity in the face of the threats that we face as a nation will go down as part of his legacy.”
Rachel Reeves takes to the stage
10:38 , Bryony Gooch
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is speaking in Maidenhead ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s final speech where he will unveil the defence investment plan.
Jarvis praises Starmer’s record on defence
10:37 , Bryony Gooch
Athena Stavrou, political reporter
Dan Jarvis has praised the outgoing prime minister’s record on defence as he prepares to unveil the defence investment plan.
He said Sir Keir Starmer has “made the right choices on the issues that counted” when it came to defence.
“Credit goes to the Prime Minister, and not only for getting us here today on matters of national security,” he said.
“I’ve seen him make tough decisions, and always with conviction and assurance. Under his leadership, Britain has proved itself a reliable partner and a trusted ally. With our help, Ukraine's forces are still in the fight and fighting with determination and momentum.
"We were first out of the door to support a peace deal in Ukraine. Same again to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He made the right choices on the issues that counted, and he also knows that in the end it is our people that matter most."
Defence secretary references speculation over defence spending plan
10:34 , Bryony Gooch
Athena Stavrou, political reporter reports:
Defence secretary Dan Jarvis is introducing Sir Keir Starmer as the prime minister unveils his highly-anticipated defence investment plan.
The DIP has been at the centre of a political row, and been subject to much speculation over its funding,
“Now, there's been no shortage of column inches or speculation dedicated to this document, but we shouldn't lose sight of what the defence investment plan is truly about,” Mr Jarvis said.
“The measure of our security is the strength of those who defend it. The central purpose of this plan is to get the kit and technology that our armed forces need, so they can fight and deter now and in the years ahead.”
Dan Jarvis has started to speak
10:33 , Bryony Gooch
Defence minister Dan Jarvis has taken to the stage in Maidenhead. We will bring you the latest lines.
Starmer travels to an airfield to give his speech…indoors
10:32 , Bryony Gooch
Kate Devlin reports from Maidenhead
Keir Starmer has travelled to an airfield full of planes to give what could be his last big speech as Prime Minister - to speak indoors in front of a muted backdrop. Printed on the Labour red canvas is his often repeated slogan “stronger fairer Britain”. But the optics risk doing little to convince his critics within the party they are wrong to say they need a better communicator at the top.
Will Keir Starmer’s last big speech be worth the wait?
10:13 , Bryony Gooch
Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor in Maidenhead
Keir Starmer is imminently about to unveil the defence investment plan, as part of what could be his last big speech before he leaves office.
The announcement is months late and has already cost the job of one defence secretary, who resigned in protest at a lack of, er, investment. Since then the Prime Minister has been working to improve the blueprint for Britain’s defences, which will surely be seen as one of the legacies of his time in No 10.
Defence boost criticised as 'too little, too late' by shadow defence secretary
09:59 , Bryony Gooch
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge has said the defence investment plan was “too little, too late”.
He said: “Too little because it is barely more money than John Healey and Al Carns resigned over when they said Britain would be ‘less safe’. And too late because the plan is now almost a year overdue and only being rushed through because Keir Starmer is desperate for a legacy.
“This plan is not worth the paper it’s written on – Keir Starmer is Prime Minister in name only. The next prime minister needs to cut welfare and give our armed forces the funding they need to keep Britain safe. The problem is, it doesn’t matter who is in charge, all Labour MPs want is more benefits. Labour are now the welfare party.”
Extra £1bn funding found by 'delaying plans to upgrade military homes and expand cadets'
09:56 , Bryony Gooch
The extra £1 billion worth of funding found by new defence secretary Dan Jarvis was reportedly freed up by delaying plans to upgrade military homes and expand the cadets.
Mr Jarvis wants to prioritise being “war-ready”, which means directing money at spending on offensive and defensive systems, The Times reported. These delays are likely to cause a stir as military housing continues to be considered substandard.
A review was launched in January to fix substandard military accommodation for around 80,000 single and unaccompanied service personnel.
Why will so much of the defence investment plan go towards drones and autonomous weapons?
09:23 , Bryony Gooch
More than a third of the defence investment plan will focus on drones and autonomous weapons in response to lessons from the Ukraine war.
The war in Ukraine has seen both sides of the conflict take up unmanned aerial vehicles as a key weapon in their artilleries. Drones have proven to be cheap and quick to produce, and destructive without relying on much manpower to deploy.
Ukrainian drone unit commander Neo told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday morning that drones “are much [a] cheaper weapon and a lot more accurate than majority of the previous weapons and that's probably like the first or second step.
“We are looking forward for much more autonomously because AI is also getting more and more advanced, so we will see probably much more improvement in in in the sense of how effective drones will become.”
DIP won't 'crack the issue' warns ex-commander
09:02 , Bryony Gooch
General Sir Richard Barrons, who helped co-author the strategic defence review, has told BBC Radio 4 Today that while the defence investment plan has some transformative elements, it won’t be a silver bullet for the UK’s defence problems.
“It is still not going to crack the issue of, in order to defence the UK sufficiently well, sufficiently quickly, more has to be done sooner and that requires more money than is currently on the table,” he said.
Trump warns UK to abide by five per cent defence pledge
07:57 , Bryony Gooch
Donald Trump expects the UK and other Nato allies to stick to their defence spending pledges, the White House said on Monday.
A White House spokesman warned the government that the US president expected Nato allies “to abide by their five per cent defence spending pledge”.
Why did John Healey quit as defence secretary?
07:25 , Bryony Gooch
John Healey quit as defence secretary earlier this month over delays in the defence investment plan.
He suggested in his resignation letter that the UK was on course to spend only 2.68 per cent of GDP on core defence by 2030, casting doubt on the country’s ability to meet its Nato target of five per cent of GDP by 2035.
Mr Healey said the long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip), which is expected to be published this week, was only due to provide an extra £13.5 billion, far short of the £28 billion over four years which officials had argued for.
Mr Healey was well-respected by his Nato peers especially for his role in the UK’s support for Ukraine amid the full-scale Russian invasion.
Armed forces minister Al Carns, a former Royal Marine, also resigned from government, arguing the defence investment plan was “not built for the threat we face”.
