In response to the BBC report, Starmer informed journalists: “During the weekend, I was advocating at the Munich Security Conference that the U.K. and Europe must enhance their efforts in defense and security.”
He further stated: “This means we need to accelerate defense spending.”
Two defense insiders, one current and one former official, revealed to POLITICO that the shift in approach was driven by discussions over the long-overdue Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which has reached a critical stage.
According to the insiders, Whitehall officials have outlined which programs will face cuts or delays without additional funding. This has raised fresh concerns at No. 10 Downing Street about the disparity between essential defense needs and the available budget.
The plan is set to safeguard billions for the U.K.’s nuclear deterrent, the GCAP fighter jet program, and the AUKUS submarine agreement, exerting significant pressure on the rest of the Ministry of Defence’s budget.
Nonetheless, increasing defense spending sooner would create a substantial challenge for the Treasury, which has already reduced overseas aid to fulfill long-term commitments.
The DIP was initially expected last autumn, then promised by the end of 2025, but remains embroiled in internal government disputes.
It is ensnared in a standoff between the Treasury and the MOD, with The Times reporting it revolves around a £28 billion deficit in the plan.
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