Starmer says he will fight any leadership challenge, defends defence plan
8 reported2 unconfirmed
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in a BBC interview with political editor Chris Mason that he will fight any leadership challenge, describing his motivation as a "deep sense of duty" rather than personal vanity or stubbornness. He rejected claims that his defence investment plan (Dip) is underfunded, following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, who said the funding was "well short" of what was needed. Starmer said defence will be his "number one priority" in the next spending review. He also challenged potential successor Andy Burnham to explain what trade-offs he would make if prime minister. Downing Street confirmed the Dip is still being finalised but refused to say whether new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis insisted on more funding as a condition for taking the job. The US under secretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, posted on social media backing Healey's call for higher UK defence spending.
What’s reported
Starmer said he will fight any leadership challenge, citing a "deep sense of duty."
He rejected claims the defence investment plan (Dip) is underfunded.
John Healey resigned as defence secretary, saying Dip funding was "well short" of what was needed.
Starmer said defence will be his "number one priority" at the next spending review.
He challenged Andy Burnham to explain what trade-offs he would make if prime minister.
Downing Street confirmed the Dip is still being finalised.
No 10 refused to say if Dan Jarvis insisted on more funding before becoming defence secretary.
US under secretary of defence Elbridge Colby posted support for higher UK defence spending.
Open questions
Whether Dan Jarvis insisted on more funding for the Dip as a condition for becoming defence secretary.
The final spending totals for the defence investment plan.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Chris Mason, BBC political editor
John Healey, former defence secretary
Dan Jarvis, new defence secretary
Andy Burnham, potential leadership challenger
Elbridge Colby, US under secretary of defence for policy
Al Carns, former armed forces minister
Sir Richard Barrons, general (quoted in article)
Sources: The Guardian
