Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK is moving towards “war-fighting readiness” as he warned the world is facing the greatest instability it has for years.
The prime minister outlined new defence measures — including extra attack submarines, £15 billion on nuclear warheads and thousands of new long-range weapons — to put Britain on war footing, after the government’s long-awaited strategic defence review concluded that the nation should be ready for war in Europe or the Atlantic.
Speaking in Glasgow, Sir Keir said: “When we are being directly threatened by states with advanced military forces, the most effective way to deter them is to be ready, and frankly, to show them that we’re ready to deliver peace through strength.”
He pledged to make the UK “a battle-ready, armour-clad nation”, insisting that “every part of society, every citizen of this country, has a role to play”.
But questions remained about his plans to increase defence spending to the recommended level.
The government will increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product from April 2027 with an “ambition” – but no firm commitment – to increase it to 3% during the next parliament.
Key Points
- Starmer moving UK to 'war-fighting readiness'
- UK to build up to 12 new attack submarines and invest £15bn in warheads
- PM fails to set date for 3% defence spending target
- Britain must be ready to fight in Europe or Atlantic, review says
- 'Every citizen has a role to play' in UK defence, says PM
Growing anger among MPs over lack of briefing
15:04
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Just two hours before the strategic defence review is set to be presented to parliament many MPs are complaining that they have still not seen a copy.
While lock in briefings were available for journalists most MPs, including opposition shadow defence ministers, are still in the dark, The Independent has been told.
As previously reported Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has been described as "fuming" over leaks to Sunday newspapers.
It means the government's big moment has been delayed by not one but two urgent questions.
'Starmer on a warpath': Green Party
14:55
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Athena Stavrou
The Green Party has criticised Starmer’s new defence plans, arguing that the government should strive to “look at the deeper causes of insecurity” around the world.
“Keir Starmer is sounding like he is on a war path with his "battle-ready, armour-clad nation" rhetoric,” Ellie Chowns MP, who holds the defence brief for the Parliamentary Green Party, said.
“Security is not just based on arms expenditure and threats, but on real leadership that uses diplomacy and development too. There must be a real commitment to an international order based on human rights, equality and genuine cooperation.
“To avoid the horrors of war and armed conflict, we need to look at the deeper causes of insecurity, including poverty and climate breakdown.”
She added that the Green Party’s position is to support “the restoration of the international aid budget to at least 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI)”.
She added: “We will continue to argue that real patriotism means ending UK-made weapons or components being sold to dictators, human rights abusers or for use against civilians anywhere in the world.”
Will Starmer have to raise taxes to pay for defence?
14:44
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), believes that the unspoken truth about the commitment to 3 per cent of GDP on defence is it can only be funded with tax rises.
Speaking to Times Radio this morning, he said: “It looks like the government wants to reinstate the winter fuel payment. It's thinking about the two-child limit for benefits.
“We've got a spending review next week. And if we're really going to spend another £10-15 billion a year on defence, whilst inevitably we're going to spend more and more on health and pensions and so on, you really do have to ask that question, what are the choices that you're going to make?
“And I mean, bluntly, it really does seem to me that the only choice that is available, if we're going to go through all of those things, is some really quite chunky tax increases to pay for it.
“But of course, that's not something the prime minister or the chancellor is willing actually to say."
Chunky tax hikes will be needed to fund defence, warns IFS
14:31
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned that “quite chunky” tax hikes will be needed to fund Sir Keir Starmer’s planned uplift in defence spending.
Paul Johnson, director of the economic think tank, told Times Radio: “It looks like the government wants to reinstate the winter fuel payment. It's thinking about the two-child limit for benefits.
“We've got a spending review next week. And if we're really going to spend another £10-15 billion a year on defence, whilst inevitably we're going to spend more and more on health and pensions and so on, you really do have to ask that question, what are the choices that you're going to make?
“And I mean, bluntly, it really does seem to me that the only choice that is available, if we're going to go through all of those things, is some really quite chunky tax increases to pay for it.
“But of course, that's not something the prime minister or the chancellor is willing actually to say."
Still to come today
14:14
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Athena Stavrou
After Sir Keir Starmer launched the government’s new strategic defence measures, ministers will face more questions from fellow MPs.
At around 4:15pm, there will be urgent questions in the Commons on the future of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
This will be followed by a statement delivered by Defence Secretary John Healey.
We will bring you the latest updates here.
Speaker unhappy over pre briefing of defence plan
14:03
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
It appears Sir Lindsay Hoyle is annoyed at the government "leaking" it strategic defence review before announcing it to parliament.
The Speaker is quite a stickler for this and has clashed with ministers before.
This time he has granted an urgent question for 3.30pm regarding the SDR being leaked and announced outside the House of Commons.
This of course in itself will delay the SDR being presented to parliament.
PM's refusal to rule out fresh aid cuts 'disappointing'
13:42
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer's refusal to rule out fresh cuts to the international aid budget are "disappointing", a network for organisations working in international development and humanitarian assistance has said.
Bond reacted to the PM leaving further aid cuts on the table with a warning that development spending and money for defence are "part of the same triangle".
Policy and advocacy director Gideon Rabinowitz said: "It is disappointing that the Prime Minister has failed to rule out further cuts to the UK aid budget to fund defence spending.
"Defence, diplomacy and development are not competing priorities, they are part of the same triangle. Slashing the development budget while boosting defence breaks this balance and puts long-term global security at risk.
“You don’t strengthen our national security by weakening the very tools that prevent global conflict, fight poverty, tackle hunger, and protect us against future pandemics."
Listen: Starmer warns of Russia threat as he launches plan to ready UK for war
13:29
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Athena Stavrou
How many submarines will the UK have in the future?
13:13
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Athena Stavrou
Two further Astute-class submarines, HMS Agamemnon and HMS Agincourt, are set to enter service in late 2025 and late 2026 respectively.
Agamemnon is currently going through trials with the Royal Navy as part of a test and commissioning programme, while Agincourt remains under construction.
As part of the joint defence deal between the US, Australia and the UK - known as Aukus - the UK is set to significantly boost its fleet of submarines following the defence review.
An added 12 submarines would bring the UK’s fleet up to more than 20 in total. This remains far smaller than the US’s fleet of 71, and China and Russia’s fleets of 66 each.
Speaker unhappy over pre briefing of Starmer's defence plan
13:10
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David Maddox
It appears Sir Lindsay Hoyle is annoyed at the government "leaking" it strategic defence review before announcing it to parliament.
The Speaker is quite a stickler for this and has clashed with ministers before. This time he has granted an urgent question for 3.30pm regarding the SDR being leaked and announced outside the House of Commons.
This, of course, in itself will delay the SDR being presented to parliament.
UK defence spending as share of GDP
13:01
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Athena Stavrou
How many nuclear submarines does the UK have – and are they ready for war?
12:45
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Athena Stavrou
Britain will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines, Sir Keir Starmer has announced.
The plans will significantly increase the UK’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet, with the new vessels built under a joint deal with the US and Australia, known as the Aukus partnership.
Here’s all you need to know about the UK’s fleet of nuclear-deterrent submarines, and the proposed plans for its future:
Pictured: Starmer visits BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow
12:29
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Athena Stavrou
Campaign groups slam Starmer's 'grotesque' defence review
12:22
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Athena Stavrou
Campaign group Stop the War have branded the government’s new defence plans as “simply grotesque”.
“Keir Starmer, John Healey and the Ministry of Defence have spent the days before the release of this spending review painting a picture of the most heightened military and security threat since the end of the cold war,” Stop the War vice chair Chris Nineham said.
“They say they want the UK to move to ‘war-fighting readiness’, but talking up a new era of threat while tying an ailing economy even more to military production only makes the threat of war more likely.”
He added: “The pledges in this review are even more grotesque given the eye-watering record profits being made by the arms manufacturers and their shareholders as a result of the endless conflicts which are only perpetuated by these levels of increased defence spending – paid for with our tax pounds and by slashing the welfare budget.”
Labour 'can't commit to properly funding' armed forces: Badenoch
12:11
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Athena Stavrou
Kemi Badenoch has criticised the Labour government for failing to commit to further defence spending increases.
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to set a date to reach 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending, instead calling it an “ambition”.
The Conservative Party leader said: “Labour can’t even hold a defence policy together for 48 hours — how can they be trusted to defend Britain?
“In the most dangerous era in a generation, they found BILLIONS for the Chagos surrender — but can’t commit to properly funding our Armed Forces.
“Scrap Chagos. Fund defence.”
Watch: Starmer confirms plans for new defence measures
11:55
Starmer outlines three goals to UK defence strategy
11:44
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Athena Stavrou
During his speech announcing new defence measures, Sir Keir Starmer outlines three key aims.
They were as follows:
1. To move the UK into “war-fighting readiness” as the most effective way to deter threats.
2. The government will adopt a Nato-first stance towards defence to add strength the alliance.
3. The UK will “innovate and accelerate innovation at a wartime pace".
What are the details of the PM's new defence plans?
11:30
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Athena Stavrou
On Monday, the government’s strategic defence review was launched.
It concluded that the UK should be ready for war in Europe or the Atlantic - prompting Sir Keir Starmer to pledge further defence measures.
In his speech on Monday morning, he said these would include:
• Six new munition factories
• Up to 12 new nuclear attack submarines.
• £15bn of investment in the nuclear warhead programme.
• Buying up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons.
• More than £1.5 billion of additional funding to repair and renew armed forces housing.
• Boosting weapons and equipment stockpiles and making sure there is capacity to scale up production if needed in a crisis or war.
Analysis: Was the defence secretary slapped down by the Treasury on spending?
11:09
By Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor:
How much is the government planning to spend on defence?
On Saturday it appeared clear. The defence secretary John Healey said in an interview with the Times that he had “no doubt” it would by 2034.
By Sunday that had become an ambition.Spending is, of course, controlled by the Treasury and the chancellor Rachel Reeves.
So what we are left with is only a firm commitment to raise spending to 2.5 per cent in the next two years.
Pictured: Starmer unveils new defence measures from Glasgow
11:00
Analysis: What will the strategic defence review miss?
10:51
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Athena Stavrou
By Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
Keir Starmer’s highly-anticipated defence review will rightly concentrate much on Russia
.The 130 page document is expected to try to learn the lessons from the brutal war in Ukraine.And the defence secretary John Healey has already described it as a “message to Moscow”.
But what will it miss?
The point of these reviews, done every so often by governments, is to try to see around corners and anticipate future global defence risks.
But the last review, while Boris Johnson was PM, failed to foresee the invasion of Ukraine just a year or so later.
What could we be talking about in just 12 months time that Starmer’s defence review does not forecast?
Starmer moving UK to 'war-fighting readiness'
10:44
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has outlined his fundamental defence goals as he unveiled new measures.
The main one was to moce the UK to “war-fighting readiness” as the “"most effective way" to deter aggressors.
Speaking in Glasgow, Sir Keir said: “First, we are moving to war-fighting readiness as the central purpose of our armed forces.
“When we are being directly threatened by states with advanced military forces, the most effective way to deter them is to be ready, and frankly, to show them that we’re ready to deliver peace through strength.”
The second change is that the Government will adopt a “Nato-first” stance towards defence so that everything it does adds to the strength of the alliance.
Sir Keir added: “Third, we will innovate and accelerate innovation at a wartime pace, so we can meet the threats of today and of tomorrow, as the fastest innovator in Nato.”
Crucial by-election hangs over Starmer making his announcement in Scotland today
10:40
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:
BBC Scotland has just reminded Sir Keir Starmer of a Scottish Parliament election just south of where he is making his strategic defence review announcement in Govan.
The by-election in Hamilton is now becoming a touchstone for Labour’s spending plans in Westminster.
The issue is that while defence spending is important, welfare and winter fuel payment cuts are what is coming up on the doorstep.
The pressures perhaps underline why Sir Keir cannot fully commit to 3 per cent of GDP on defence.It is noticeable that while he is not going to support the Labour candidate in Hamilton, Nigel Farage will be going there today to support the Reform candidate.
When Farage feels more welcome than a Labour leader in Scotland, then things are really turning. The Reform leader was once chased out of Scotland during its referendum in 2013.
The SNP are favourites to win in Hamilton but Labour are no longer second favourite that position is currently held by Reform.
Starmer won’t rule out further aid cuts to fund defence
10:35
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out further cuts to the international aid budget to fund increases in defence spending.
The prime minister said slashing defence spending to hike up defence spending was a “difficult choice” and Britain is still “working with other countries” on how much aid they need.
“But the best way to pay for any increase in public spending is to grow our economy,” he added.
He was asked whether he could rule out further cuts to aid spending, but did not do so.
Situation in Gaza 'getting worse by the day' - Starmer
10:33
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has said the situation in Gaza is “intolerable” and “is getting worse by the day”.
When asked whether the government was doing enough to help the situation he said: “In relation to Gaza, the situation is intolerable in Gaza and is getting worse by the day.
“Which is why we are working with allies. In saying it’s intolerable it is absolutely clear that there needs to be a ceasefire.
“It is absolutely clear that humanitarian aid needs to get it at speed and at volumes that it is not getting in at the moment. It’s causing absolute devastation.”
Armed forces overhaul will lead to ‘defence dividend’
10:28
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said that nations enjoyed a “peace dividend” after the Cold War as they were able to cut defence spending and invest in public services.
The prime minister said that “faced with new circumstances today”, the UK must invest in its armed forces and the public will see a “defence dividend” due to the spending.
He said ramping up spending on defence will drive jobs and investment, create opportunities for skilled work and boost community pride.
“Everyone across the United Kingdom has a role to play in this effort, but also everyone has a stake in its success,” the PM said.
Starmer taking questions
10:26
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Athena Stavrou
The prime minister is now taking questions from members of the media.
When asked if he could “unequivocally” deliver the new defence measures, he said he was “100 per cent confident” on the plans.
Starmer confirms plans for new defence measures
10:24
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed plans for new defence measures during his speech on Monday.
The prime minister confirmed the government will commission 12 new attack submarines - with one to be delivered every 18 months.
‘UK learning the lessons of Ukraine,’ PM says
10:22
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK is learning the lessons of Ukraine and will deliver an army 10 times more lethal than it is now by 2035.
The prime minister said he has spoken repeatedly to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky about ensuring all aspects of Britain’s military “work seamlessly together”.
“To ensure that drones, destroyers, AI, aircraft, and each different branch of our armed services are fully integrated,” he said.
3% defence spend target 'Subject to economic and fiscal conditions' - Starmer
10:19
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has again refused to make a firm commitment to raising defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP.
Speaking in Glasgow as he unveiled new defence plans, he said: “We have already acted, announcing the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. Raising it to 2.5 per cent of defence spending by 2027.
“Setting the ambition to hit 3 percent in the next parliament. Subject to economic and fiscal conditions.”
‘Nothing works unless we all work together,’ Starmer
10:14
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said he learned on a visit to a nuclear submarine that their motto is “nothing works unless we all work together”.
Unveiling his strategic defence review, he said the motto now applies to the whole country.
Sir Keir said: “The strategic defence review that I'm launching today will bring that unity to the whole of the United Kingdom, to mobilise the nation in a common cause, recognising in these dangerous times that when it comes to defence of the realm and the defence of everything that we hold dear, nothing works unless we all work together.”
He added: “Every citizen of this country has a role to play.”
Watch live: Starmer launches plan to ready UK for war
10:13
You can watch Sir Keir Starmer’s speech live here, as he unveils the government’s new defence plans:
PM unveiling defence review
10:08
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has begun to unveil the government’s new defence plans.
Speaking from a shipyard in Glasgow, the prime minister is announcing details of the long-awaited strategic defence review.
He began by describing a visit to a British nuclear submarine: “It was very clear to me that there is no greater duty than the one that they carry. No task more vital. Our security, Nato’s security, depends on them.”
Starmer to speak shortly
09:59
Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil the government’s long-awaited strategic defence review in the next few minutes.
The prime minister is expected announce new measures as he prepares to put Britain on war footing.
He will then face questions from members of the media in Scotland.
We will bring you the latest updates here.
Starmer 'hung out to dry' by Chancellor as he fails to firmly commit to 3% spending target
09:54
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Athena Stavrou
The Conservatives and Lib Dems have questioned Labour’s commitment to funding its new defence pledges
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge suggested his counterpart Mr Healey had been “hung out to dry by Rachel Reeves” over the 3 per cent target.
“All of Labour’s strategic defence review promises will be taken with a pinch of salt unless they can show there will actually be enough money to pay for them,” he added.
Lib Dem defence spokesperson Helen Maguire said the 2034 timeline for the commitment “suggests a worrying lack of urgency from the Government”.
She also said: “Unless Labour commits to holding cross-party talks on how to reach 3 per cent much more rapidly than the mid-2030s, this announcement risks becoming a damp squib.”
Starmer fails to firmly commit to 3% defence spending boost
09:49
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Athena Stavrou
The government has to faced tough questions on its lack of promises on raising defence spending.
Sir Keir Starmer has said he has an “ambition” to raise defence spending up to 3 per cent of GDP in the next parliament.
However, he has stopped short of making a firm commitment to achieve the goal.
The Prime Minister told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We had a commitment for 2.5 per cent by the end of this Parliament. We pulled that right forward to 2027.
“We showed that when we say there’s a new era of the defence and security of our country, is our first priority – as it is – that we meant it. We take the same approach to 3 per cent.
“But I’m not going to indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates from the air until I’m absolutely clear that I can sit here in an interview with you and tell you exactly how that’s going to work, because I take the defence and security of our country extremely seriously.”
The Government has pledged to raise the UK’s defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP – a measure of the country’s economic output – by 2027.
But on Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey sidestepped questions about whether he had any guarantee from the Treasury to provide the funding for the 3 per cent target by the end of the next Parliament, when asked on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
Starmer to unveil defence review shortly
09:39
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil the government’s long-awaited strategic defence review shortly.
The prime minister will announce new measures and then face questions from members of the media in Scotland.
We will bring you the latest updated here.
Listen: Starmer warns of Russia threat as he launches plan to ready UK for war
09:36
,
Athena Stavrou
Recap: Starmer warns of 'changing world' ahead of defence announcement
09:25
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer appeared on BBC Radio 4 on Monday morning to speak about the government’s new defence measures.
If you’re just joining us now, here is a recap of what he said:
• He said Britain must “prepare” for war in Europe.
• He warned that the world is facing the greatest instability it has for “many, many years”.
• Sir Keir faced questions on the lack of spending promises alongside the new defence measures, to which he said “indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates [for more spending] from the air”.
• He warned that Britain “cannot ignore the threat Russia poses”.
Starmer says he does not regret winter fuel payment cuts
09:17
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Athena Stavrou
Away from defence policy, Sir Keir Starmer has also addressed his government’s U-turn on winter fuel cuts.
Appearing BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the prime minister suggested ministers do not regret the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment, even as they are planning steps to partially reverse the move.
“I want to look again at where the threshold is. That’s for sure. I’ll be clear with you,” he said.
“In relation to that, I do think it was our duty to stabilise the economy and to fill in that £22 billion black hole. And I’m not going to resile from that.”
Ministers “need to be absolutely clear where the money is coming from” before they set out details of a partial U-turn on the winter fuel payment, Sir Keir said.
He added: “But I take your point, which is that if we want to look again at which pensioners are eligible, then the sooner we have clarity on that, the better.”
How many submarines does the Royal Navy currently have?
09:04
Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce that Britain will build up to 12 new nuclear-powered submarines.
Currently, the Royal Navy operates nine submarines, including five Astute-class conventionally armed nuclear-powered attack vessels. The Astute class is Britain’s largest and most advanced fleet of submarines.
The remaining four are Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), which carry the UK’s Trident nuclear missile system.
A new group, the Dreadnought class, will be introduced in the early 2030s. These will be both nuclear-powered and ballistic missile-armed.
‘The sooner the better,’ Starmer says on winter fuel U-turn
08:46
The Independent’s Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said “the sooner… the better” on when his U-turn on winter fuel cuts will take effect.
The prime minister has vowed to restore the payments to some pensioners after a furious backlash.
And, hinting a decision could come as soon as next week’s spending review, he said: “If we want to look again at which pensioners are eligible, then the sooner we have clarity on that, the better.”
But, asked about the cuts, he said they were “the right thing to do” given Labour’s economic inheritance after the general election.
‘Yes’ Britain will hit 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending
08:36
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Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain will hit a target to spend 3 per cent of its GDP on defence by 2034.
The prime minister refused to set out an exact date by which the goal will be reached, but that Labour would ensure it is delivered.
Sir Keir said he would not be able to say when it will be met until he knew how it would be paid for, adding: “I don't believe in performative fantasy politics, and certainly not on defense and security.”
And he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It needs to be ramped up, capability ramped up, but there has to be a defense dividend, which is, what do we get back into our economy?”