Government under growing pressure to publish long-delayed defence investment plan

WorldPolitics
9 Apr 2026 • 6:02 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • The UK government is under growing pressure to publish its long-delayed defence investment plan, which was initially promised last year.
  • Reports indicate the delay is due to an ongoing dispute between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over funding for the plan.
  • Kemi Badenoch and Labour MP Tan Dhesi have urged for the plan's immediate release, with Dhesi warning its continued absence risks diminishing Britain’s standing within Nato.
  • Kemi Badenoch criticised Keir Starmer's defence commitments, while Labour's Luke Pollard accused the Tories of 'hollowing out' the armed forces.
  • The debate comes amidst rising global tensions and concerns over the UK's military capabilities, with Labour pledging to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.

IN FULL