'A fantasy novel', 'Excellent for Portsmouth': Political figures weigh-in on Defence Investment Plan
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The programme sets out £15bn worth of funding for the armed forces, but is controversial and falls far short for many
High-profile political figures have analysed the recently published Defence Investment Plan (Dip).
The programme sets out £15bn worth of funding for the armed forces over the next several years, but has proved controversial. A lack of details and immediate support programmes for the Royal Navy have been just some of the concerns raised.
Key policies announced include constructing six new Common Combat Vessels, bolstering the Type 45 destroyers with new and advanced weapons, and billions of pounds worth of investment into HMNB Portsmouth and other sites - among other policies. After falling short of the recommended £28bn worth of funding, former defence secretary John Healey resigned - replaced by Dan Jarvis.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, chair of the defence select committee, is concerned about a lack of clear timeline for meeting Nato’s spending commitments. The Dip raises the defence budget from £54bn to nearly £80bn by 2029, the equivalent of 2.7 per cent of GDP. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer previously agreed to meet the alliance’s commitment of 3.5 per cent of GDP on core defence spending.
Mr Dheshi said: “The Defence Investment Plan sets out clear priorities and welcome additional investment, particularly in readiness, nuclear capability and support to Ukraine. However, compared with previous plans, it contains significantly less detail on how that investment will be delivered, particularly over the longer term. It is disappointing that we do not have a clear timeline for reaching three per cent of GDP, let alone the pathway to 3.5 per cent which the UK has committed to at NATO."
“This risks leaving Parliament, and indeed industry, without a clear line of sight on future capability, timelines and funding. So the focus must now be on whether the ambition is matched by a credible delivery plan—and how exposed this leaves the UK and our Forces in the short term to the growing threats we face.
“We are at a dangerous juncture, which means making difficult choices. The world is less safe, less stable and the pressures on our military are far greater. Given the rising threat level, including warnings from the Prime Minister that NATO needs to be ready for an attack by Russia by 2030, the UK needs to properly invest in our defence and meet the moment.”
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, Conservative, was unimpressed by the Dip. She said: “The Defence Investment Plan arrived 300 days late, £13bn short and full of holes, having wiped out two defence ministers and one prime minister in its wake.
“Investment in our military housing will be delayed and the Secretary of State wouldn’t answer my questions about when service families will finally receive see improvements. So far this reads more like a fantasy novel than a serious plan to ready our Armed Forces for the real threats we face today.”
Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin, Labour, said the £5bn investment into “cutting-edge” drone technology and autonomous platforms ensures their ability to fight evolving wars. “As the mum of a serving member of the Royal Navy, I know just how important it is that the brave men and women who protect our country have the very best equipment, training and support available to them.
“But investment must be delivered swiftly and effectively. We need to cut through bureaucracy so funding becomes real capability without delay, and ensure our personnel are properly trained and equipped for modern, technology driven warfare.
“I’m proud that this Government has delivered the largest pay rise for service personnel in over 20 years and is investing in the advanced equipment our Armed Forces need. These measures will strengthen morale, improve retention and show our service personnel the respect they deserve.”
“Backing our Armed Forces means backing those who serve, their families and the communities that support them. This investment delivers that, alongside skilled British jobs and stronger national security. It is also important that we have an open and honest public conversation about the world we now face and the challenges it brings.”
Former Conservative defence secretary Penny Mordaunt the Dip “is not enough”. “The announcements do not honour the promises made to our own citizens and our allies,” she added. “They do not plug the capability gaps highlighted in the SDR. They do not meet our existing NATO commitments or give our forces the operating budget they need today.
“Both Healy and Jarvis have done their utmost to tie the hands of the incoming Prime Minister and his Chancellor. To bind them to do what the current Cabinet have failed to deliver: the funds and reforms required to defend ourselves and our interests. We are told wait for the Spending Review.
“Labour’s next Leader and those seeking to serve in his Cabinet should immediately confirm they support Dan Jarvis' words today about the next SR, that defence will be the priority and that our commitments will be met, and a path to three per cent and then 3.5 per cent specified. It is a vital message to send to the nation, its friends and its foes.”
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan warmly welcomed the Dip and “its commitment to the future of the Royal Navy”. He said: “The investment in a Hybrid Navy, alongside the commitment to build at least six new warships delivering the UK's next generation of maritime air defence capability, is excellent news for Portsmouth. It will help keep our Armed Forces equipped for the challenges of the future while supporting skilled jobs, apprenticeships and our proud naval heritage.
"This Government is matching its commitment to our Armed Forces with long-term investment in the people, technology and capabilities that keep Britain safe. That's good for Portsmouth, good for our defence industry and good for the security of our country."
Conservative MP for Havant, Alan Mak, said the Dip is ‘too little too late’, since many of the capabilities - including drones - will not be ready until 2030. “Labour’s Defence Secretary resigned this month because he was being forced to make decisions that would make our troops and our country less safe,” he added.
“Today, Labour’s defence plan still fails to fund our Armed Forces, fails to protect our country, fails to support our local economy, and invests well below what our allies are spending. Instead, Labour should cut the ballooning welfare benefits bill to fund our Armed Forces properly.”
Suella Braverman, Reform MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, was approached for comment.