Keir Starmer is poised to unveil a multi-billion pound package to boost the UK defence industry and armed forces next week in order to ready the country for war and seal his legacy as Prime Minister, The i Paper understands.
The long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, which was originally scheduled for last autumn but has been held up over Cabinet disagreements about funding, will be published on Monday, it is understood.
The plan is expected to be backed by £18bn of government funding for new contracts with defence companies to boost the UK’s weapons capabilities and better equip the country for conflict in response to a decrease in global security.
Shorts
While the blueprint has been stuck in Whitehall for months, insiders said the Prime Minister now wants to push ahead with difficult decisions ahead of any leadership battle with Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, which could come within weeks.
