New UK defence secretary to revisit military spending plan, sources say
10 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is expected to revisit the defence investment plan (Dip) after the resignation of his predecessor, John Healey, over a funding dispute. Multiple government sources said Jarvis would look to “reprioritise” aspects of the plan, which was delayed until July. An ally of Jarvis said he would have a strong hand in negotiations with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces a possible leadership challenge from Andy Burnham. Healey resigned on Thursday, stating he would not accept a Dip settlement that did not give the armed forces the resources they need, and accused the Treasury of being unwilling to provide sufficient funds. The prime minister is set to attend the G7 summit in France on Monday, where leaders are expected to discuss threats from Russia and Iran. The Royal Marines also seized a Russia-linked shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel, an operation the Ministry of Defence said was months in the planning.
What’s reported
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis will revisit the defence investment plan (Dip), which was delayed until July after John Healey’s resignation.
Healey resigned on Thursday, saying he would not accept a Dip settlement that did not “give our forces the resources they need.”
Healey accused the Treasury of being unwilling to provide funds “to defend the country at this time of rising threats.”
An ally of Jarvis said he would have a strong hand in future negotiations with Starmer, who faces a possible leadership challenge from Andy Burnham.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said discussions about the Dip were “ongoing.”
Other senior sources said there were likely to be tweaks “within the Dip” rather than offers of extra cash.
Healey said Downing Street offered £13.5bn to plug an £18bn gap in major defence projects, partly funded by cutting other departments’ capital budgets by 1%.
Starmer spoke to US President Donald Trump and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte on Saturday; Downing Street said he told Rutte the UK would spend 3% of GDP on defence by the end of 2034.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Downing Street on Sunday; Japanese sources indicated they wanted the UK to sign an international contract for the Gcap fighter jet project.
The Royal Marines seized a Russia-linked shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel; the MoD said the operation was months in the planning.
Open questions
Whether Jarvis will demand more cash from the Treasury or only reprioritise existing funds.
The outcome of the Makerfield byelection and its impact on Starmer’s leadership.
Whether the UK will sign the international contract for the Gcap fighter jet by the end of the month.
Key figures
Dan Jarvis, UK Defence Secretary
John Healey, former Defence Secretary
Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Andy Burnham, potential leadership challenger
Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor
Donald Trump, US President
Mark Rutte, Nato Secretary General
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s Prime Minister
Vladimir Putin, Russian President
Sources: The Guardian
