Delays to UK's defence spending plan undermines credibility with allies, MPs say

Ministers are facing a backlash from MPs over delays to the multi-billion pound plan to boost the armed forces.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) was supposed to be published last year, but repeated delays amid an ongoing Whitehall battle over funding means it is still yet to materialise.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a group of MPs which scrutinises public spending, the hold-up means procuring the latest equipment will be more expensive, “hindering the government’s attempt to modernise the Armed Forces”.

The PAC report said the delay has undermined the UK’s credibility with its allies due to the “inability to equip the UK’s Armed Forces for the modern battlefield”.

Meanwhile, deputy prime minister David Lammy is set to appear on the morning broadcast media rounds as it emerges Sir Keir Starmer would look to challenge any leadership contest brought against him by Andy Burnham or Wes Streeting.