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Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Lead MP
Luke Pollard
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Defence
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Luke Pollard raised concerns about defence investment plan in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister recognises the remarkable work of UK armed forces in bordering a sanctioned Russian vessel. He acknowledges the complex operational environment and emphasises that more needs to be spent on defence with the current budget being £11 billion higher than under the previous government. The Defence Secretary will ensure continuous learning from Ukraine's conflict, retiring old equipment for new capabilities, backing military personnel with significant pay rises and a plan addressing housing issues inherited from before. He affirms readiness to defend the UK today and commits to increasing defence capabilities in the future. The Prime Minister has committed to spending 3% of GDP on defence in the next Parliament, making it the number one priority.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
Saffron Walden
Question
Why is a junior minister responding instead of the new Defence Secretary? Labour has paused Conservative plans for two years and there are delays to the defence investment plan.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks the Shadow for her tone, acknowledges the shouting often seen from her Front Bench but appreciates her professionalism. He continues to advocate for increased funding within the Government.
Question
Will the Government consider joining a world bank for defence as suggested by various parties? What assessment has been made on the financial impact of delays to the DIP?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Alex Baker and highlights ongoing work with Treasury regarding mechanisms that can best deliver finance for the defence supply chain.
Question
What assessment has been made on the financial impact of delays to the DIP? Will the Minister resign if he fails to secure at least £18 billion extra allocation as suggested by his former colleagues?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks James MacCleary and mentions that since the general election, 1,400 major defence contracts have been signed, supporting thousands of SMEs. The Ministry is committed to increasing direct spend with SMEs.
Question
What can be done to ensure the DIP creates good-quality jobs across the country? A British aerospace company has gone into administration blaming delays for its collapse.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Alan Gemmell and confirms that discussions about Aeralis have occurred before. He mentions a competition to replace the Red Arrows, which will provide opportunities for companies.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Why is it cowardly not to turn up when the nation is at risk and the Leader of the Opposition asks a question? The Secretary should be here in Parliament.
Minister reply
The Minister clarifies that the new Defence Secretary, who served in uniform, will lead on publishing the DIP. He highlights capabilities such as drones and autonomy to renew forces.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South East
Question
How can the Minister confirm that when the DIP is published it will maximise spending with British industries? Labour found the previous government’s defence spending fell by 22% and left forces ‘hollowed out’.
Minister reply
The Minister welcomes debate on increasing defence spending, highlighting investment in skills, SMEs and innovation to support the UK armed forces.
The Cotswolds
Question
We spend £333 billion a year on the Department for Work and Pensions, compared to less than a fifth on defence at £62 billion. Is this the right choice?
Minister reply
While the DWP budget includes pension and benefit payments, we are also investing in employment support to help people back into work. The debate around increasing defence spending is ongoing, focusing not just on total figures but on specific capabilities such as drones, Navy hybrid capabilities, and warfighting readiness.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab
N/A
Question
Since 2010, the 2.5% target for defence spending has not been met, with an extra £11 billion since the last Conservative government. Can there be a fully funded plan on defence by NATO summit time?
Minister reply
We will publish a fully funded defence investment plan ahead of the NATO summit, which is the first in 20 years to conduct a line-by-line review of defence spending and address capabilities, kit and equipment, people, and estates.
Monica Harding
Lab
N/A
Question
Veterans like Glen are concerned about the state of the Royal Navy. Why are our Government ducking responsible decisions to fund the defence investment plan properly?
Minister reply
We are investing in a new hybrid Navy with more autonomous capabilities, installing DragonFire directed energy weapon system on Type 45 destroyers, addressing retention and recruitment crises, equipping Royal Marines with latest kit, and ensuring that veterans like Glen can be proud of the services they used to serve.
N/A
Question
Will the defence investment plan support important businesses in her constituency such as MOD Abbey Wood?
Minister reply
The DIP will provide 10 years of certainty for businesses, supporting the National Armaments Director Group at Abbey Wood and other companies like Rolls-Royce, ensuring they have the funding needed to support operational effectiveness.
Gavin Williamson
Con
South Staffordshire
Question
How many recommendations from Lord Robertson's team are the Government still committed to?
Minister reply
The Government remain fully committed to all 62 of Lord Robertson’s recommendations.
N/A
Question
Will the DIP be published in full before the NATO summit?
Minister reply
Yes, it will be published ahead of the NATO summit and unlike previous equipment plans from Conservative governments which were unfunded, this plan will address estates and housing, as well as people who are vital enablers of a whole defence project.
Danny Kruger
Con
N/A
Question
The procurement system is slow, wasteful and outdated. Does he accept that the bureaucrats cannot command confidence due to programmes like Ajax?
Minister reply
The Minister praised the procurement team, but acknowledged that previous Conservative governments had a record of poor defence procurement.
N/A
Question
Is funding secured for the defence housing strategy from the strategic defence review?
Minister reply
We have announced a £9 billion programme to improve defence homes, targeting 1,000 worst homes by Christmas and delivering improvements ahead of time, ensuring nine in ten defence homes are rebuilt or refurbished over the next decade.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Does changing the leader make any difference to finding extra money for defence?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has set out his desire to spend more on defence, increasing spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, something never achieved under 14 years of Conservative government.
Jacob Collier
Lab
N/A
Question
What conversations have you had with NATO partners on the DIP to meet the commitment of spending 3.5% of GDP by 2035?
Minister reply
Discussions include building a combined frigate force with Norway and working together with French, German, Polish, and Italian allies on bringing forward more defence investment, committed to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence as part of 5% being spent on national security by 2035.
Question
Respects the previous Defence Secretary and his predecessor, asking when the defence investment plan will be published ahead of the NATO summit.
Minister reply
Defence investment plan will be published before the NATO summit. Commits to increasing defence spending and improving how funds are spent.
Question
Asks about preparing for modern warfare, supporting SMEs in places like Suffolk.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of tech firms and visits to Suffolk. Emphasises learning from Ukraine's war, focusing on autonomy and drone technology.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Critiques current defence spending levels compared to Margaret Thatcher’s era, questioning if the £28 billion needed for the strategic defence review will be met.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the criticism and commits to making a case for increased defence spending.
Question
Asks about ensuring armed forces receive necessary transformation, mentioning the tradition of strong independent and NATO-based defence from Labour party.
Minister reply
Commits to working with NATO allies on joint procurement projects and improving operational efficiency.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll and Bute
Question
Asks about defending the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap, mentioning the disintegration of a major UK Government Department.
Minister reply
Welcomes pro-defence stance from SNP. Emphasises work with Norwegian allies and increased investment in Northern defence.
Question
Asks about supporting young people into careers needed for the defence industry.
Minister reply
Confirms support through DTECs and further education funding, focusing on skills development and mid-career training.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Queries about tariffs affecting the cost of defence spending.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for steel industry investment, citing specific examples like Sheffield Forgemasters and inviting further discussion.
Question
Asks what more could be done with additional defence funding.
Minister reply
Describes a scalable plan for increased spending, including drones, stockpile investment, personnel recovery, autonomy technology, and estate regeneration.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
The Minister told us that the former Secretary of State had asked him to stay. Had he not been so asked, would he have resigned too? How much persuasion did it take?
Minister reply
I decided to stay and was encouraged to do so because I am proud of my family’s military background and want to work with brave and professional people in our armed forces to keep the nation safe.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Bristol East
Question
My constituents want to know that we will do whatever we must to keep them safe. With difficult relations between the Treasury, how can I tell them that we will do that?
Minister reply
We are increasing defence spending, renewing forces, fixing housing issues, and improving pay and culture in the armed forces. We also want more defence spending and a debate on when and what to spend it on.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
South West Surrey
Question
Has he noticed that even though Labour has three times more MPs, there are nearly twice as many Conservatives present in the Chamber? Is that because colleagues cannot defend the indefensible?
Minister reply
I welcome defence scrutiny and debate. The Conservatives argue for spending levels now that they did not advocate when they were in power.
Andrew Lewin
Con
Ruislip-Northwood
Question
How can we learn from Ukraine’s use of drone technology to enhance our defence investment plan?
Minister reply
We are learning from Ukraine's use of drones in warfare and investing in 120,000 British-made drones this year. The strategic defence review outlines how we will build up our capabilities.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Question
What consideration did the Department give to multilateral negotiations and peace as a strategy for reducing global arms expenditure?
Minister reply
NATO is crucial for deterrence against Russian aggression. We invest in defence to increase our capability and prevent conflict, supporting Ukraine until it ends.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Lincoln
Question
Can you confirm that there will be a fully funded plan to deliver this Government’s vision for defence, and can you reassure my constituents that we will always keep this nation safe?
Minister reply
We are investing in our armed forces, including pay rises, better housing, and increased spending. We want more investment to ensure deterrence and warfighting capability.
Edward Argar
Con
Charnwood
Question
How many of the 62 recommendations in the strategic defence review currently have the necessary funding fully agreed and committed to by the Treasury?
Minister reply
We support all 62 recommendations of the SDR, which are all in progress. The defence investment plan sets out how we will deliver our equipment, personnel and estates for the next decade.
Harlow
Question
Welcomes the Minister for Veterans and People's appointment, praises their experience in armed forces. Enquires about continued support for armed forces personnel, seeking reassurances regarding their needs to perform their duties.
Minister reply
Reiterates commitment to increasing defence budget from 2.4% of GDP currently towards a target of 3.5%. Acknowledges retention and recruitment crisis under previous government and addresses it through substantial pay rises, improved housing conditions, and childcare support.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Asks if the former Defence Secretary's resignation was justified due to inadequate funding allocation for future conflicts instead of past ones.
Minister reply
Agrees with criticism about underfunding but disagrees on specifics. Emphasises plans to invest more in new technologies like drones and hybrid systems, while also addressing obsolete equipment issues.
Sarah Pochin
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Question
Questions whether Prime Minister's lack of visits to special forces headquarters indicates low prioritisation for defence.
Minister reply
Refuses to comment on special forces activities, highlighting previous support from PM and Defence Secretary towards armed forces personnel. Suggests reconsidering such questions in future.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Elmet and Rothwell
Question
Asks if current plans for naval procurement remain unchanged despite potential delays due to past inefficiencies.
Minister reply
Acknowledges previous issues but notes steps being taken. Confirms Type 83 destroyer status remains under review, prioritising investment in autonomous and hybrid systems for better air defence.
Vikki Slade
Lab
Dudley North
Question
Suggests issuing defence bonds as a means to fund the DIP, asks if this or other innovative financial solutions are being considered.
Minister reply
Confirms discussions on accessing new forms of capital through various models including Commercial X procurement and patient capital options. Acknowledges interest in war bonds but seeks detailed analysis from the party.
Bristol East
Question
Asks if current funding levels meet national security requirements, citing statements by former Defence Secretary.
Minister reply
Acknowledges case for increased spending but highlights progress made since Labour took office. Plans to publish DIP before NATO summit to enhance warfighting capabilities.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Highlights reliance on imports for food supply as a national security concern, questions lack of direct support for farmers in England.
Minister reply
Agrees that food security is integral to national security. Acknowledges investment in supporting undersea infrastructure and supports DEFRA's role in ensuring food production.
Kieran Mullan
Lab
Newport West
Question
Has the Minister seen the defence investment plan in full, yes or no?
Minister reply
Yes, I have been involved in doing it. Let me be very clear and answer the hon. Gentleman’s question in full—the defence investment plan is a good, scalable plan that provides the capabilities.
Ayoub Khan
Lab
Birmingham, Selly Oak
Question
Does careful diplomacy and tackling the cost of living crisis do more to bring security than any bomb?
Minister reply
I recommend that the hon. Gentleman reads the new defence diplomacy strategy which we published a few months ago to deliver on what he has just asked me.
Rebecca Smith
Lab
Croydon Central
Question
Does the Minister agree with the former Armed Forces Minister that we are purchasing capability suitable for the last war while our adversaries arm for the next one?
Minister reply
As a fellow Plymouth MP, I was exceedingly proud of the Royal Marines from 42 Commando in Plymouth for participating in the action. If the hon. Lady were to look at 47 Commando, another Royal Marines unit based in Plymouth, she would see some of the new capabilities that we have bought to support them.
Robin Swann
DUP
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
Question
What assurances can he give that the spend is scalable upwards and not downwards?
Minister reply
We are already increasing defence spending, and we will continue to increase defence spending. The defence investment plan is designed to be scalable to match that increased defence spending.
Luke Evans
Con
Cardiff North
Question
Why did the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry decide not to resign when his two colleagues in the Department did resign?
Minister reply
I answered that question in my earlier remarks.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What immediate assurances can the Minister give to thousands of skilled defence, aerospace and maritime workers across Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
I point the hon. Gentleman not just to the £1.6 billion contract that we have placed with Thales in Belfast for its lightweight multirole missile but also to the increasing investment we are working with Thales on to support our middle eastern friends, as well as the £50 million Northern Ireland defence growth deal.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Question
Can he confirm that he has signed the full international contract for GCAP and can guarantee funding will be in place before the money runs out at the end of June?
Minister reply
It is unusual for the hon. Member not to be on the money with his questions, but as the media reports on the weekend’s meeting make clear, we will be signing the full international contract by the end of the month.
Mike Wood
Cons
Dudley South
Question
What exactly does he disagree with in the letter that the previous Defence Secretary sent to the Prime Minister about the defence investment plan last Thursday?
Minister reply
There is lots on which I agree with the former Defence Secretary, and he and I have worked together for a very long time on this. I respect his decision and that of the former Armed Forces Minister.
Shadow Comment
Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Comment
The Shadow questions why a junior minister is responding rather than the new Defence Secretary and highlights delays to defence funding over two years since Labour paused Conservative plans. She expresses concern about delays in publishing the defence investment plan.
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