Sir Keir Starmer’s Government is facing growing criticism after a cross-party group of MPs warned that delays to a key defence spending plan are harming Britain’s military readiness and undermining confidence among the nation’s allies.
The Government’s long-awaited Defence Investment Plan was originally expected to be published last autumn but has still not appeared, prompting concern from Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.
The plan is intended to set out how Britain’s Armed Forces will be equipped and funded over the next decade, including investment in new military equipment, infrastructure and personnel.
However, MPs say the delay is creating uncertainty for the military and defence industry at a time when international tensions remain high and NATO allies are increasing defence spending.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, said Britain had effectively gone years without a credible long-term plan for military capability. He argued that explanations about taking more time to get the details right were no longer good enough and said ministers should simply apologise for the delay.
The committee warned that postponing decisions could leave taxpayers footing a larger bill, with defence contractors already raising prices due to global instability and increasing demand for military equipment.
The report also raised concerns that delays are slowing efforts to modernise Britain’s Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s ability to deter potential threats. MPs said the hold-up risks undermining confidence among allies and defence suppliers alike.
The Ministry of Defence has defended its record, saying officials are working hard to finalise the plan and insisting that the Government is increasing defence spending. The department said it had signed more than 1,400 major defence contracts since taking office in July 2024.
The report also highlighted continuing problems with the Army’s Ajax armoured vehicle programme.
The vehicles were temporarily withdrawn from use after concerns about excessive noise and vibration, which left dozens of soldiers suffering health problems. MPs said 33 personnel had been affected, with five still under medical review earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the committee called for greater transparency over Britain’s nuclear deterrent programme. The report found that around £10.9 billion, approximately 18 per cent of the defence budget, is currently spent on nuclear capabilities, a figure expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
MPs have now issued a series of recommendations, including demands for clearer timelines on defence projects, improvements to military recruitment and greater openness about defence spending.
The criticism comes at a sensitive time for the Government, with ongoing conflict in Ukraine continuing to place defence and national security at the forefront of political debate.
With NATO leaders due to meet in the coming weeks, ministers are under increasing pressure to publish the Defence Investment Plan and demonstrate how Britain intends to maintain a modern and effective fighting force in an increasingly uncertain world.
