The $28 billion Defence Investment Plan: A Cornerstone of UK Security

Former NATO chief Lord Robertson has sounded the alarm, warning Labour MPs that a cornered Vladimir Putin could launch a direct attack on Britain. The warning comes as internal disagreements delay the UK's Defence Investment Plan, with Starmer and Reeves proposing a £15 billion package versus the £28 billion demanded by defence chiefs.

The government also plans to boost domestic defence industry spending through new contract rules. The Defence Investment Plan is to set out how the UK will increase its defence spending from around 2.6 per cent of GDP to 3 per cent by the end of the decade and 5 per cent by 2035.

Lord Robertson, who led a review of the state of our Armed Forces last year, said that Ukraine was gaining the upper hand against Russia, and while the frustrated autocrat would not attack the US, we could be in his sights.

A Familiar Pattern from the 2019 Crash

The warning comes as the UK's Defence Investment Plan is still in limbo, with the government arguing over the scale of increased funding and where it should come from.. The BBC reported that it could be unveiled on Thursday this week, but No10 sources say it is not 'locked in.'

Defence officials have called for £28 billion over the next four years, but Labour's Strategic Defence Review prposed a £15 billion package. The PM is said to want to announce £6bn funding for the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint stealth fighter programme between the UK, Italy and Japan.

At the same time, ministers have reportedly agreed to plough £250million more into the Ajax programme, a light tank for the British Army which is over budget, late and which leaves soldiers ill after using it due to noise and vibrations.

Who is the Unnamed Buyer?

The Financial Times reported that the deal for the Welsh-made armouured vehicle would take its total programme cost to more than £1billion. Labour's Strategic Defence Review was published in June last year and promised an end to the 'holllowing out' of the UK's armed forces.

But the investment plan to follow has still not been released. The DIP is to set out how the UK will increase its defence spending from around 2.6 per cent of GDP to 3 per cent by the end of the decade and 5 per cent by 2035.

Broader Context: A Cornered Putin

Russia's war in Ukraine has been faltering, and Lord Robertson has warned that a cornered Vladimir Putin could lash out at Britain. The peer has previously warned that Russia could use cruise or ballistic missiles against the UK, while ministers reportedly also fear it could target undersea cables or launch a debilitating cyber attack.

The Defence Secretary will outline plans to ensure more defence spending stays within the UK amid ongoing wrangling over the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan.

Speaking at the GMB Union's congress this afternoon, Mr Healey will announce plans to favour British-based defence companies, according to the Times. According to an excerpt of his speech shared with the newspaper, Mr Healey will say:

'The Government will develop a new approach that looks to give credit in future defence contract decisions to British-based companies based on a genuine, substantive presence in Britain and long-term commitments to British communities and British supply chains.'

As part of this drive, I can announce I will make greater use of national security exemptions for defence contracts - which allow the Government to require certain capabilities to be built in Britain - supporting our UK industrial base and your members' jobs.

'We will ensure that, in large defence contracts, there are provisions to require any significant sub-contracts to be placed with UK-based companies, or guarantee competitions so UK competitors aren't shut out.'