Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the re-election of US President Donald Trump, the UK, along with other Nato countries, has come under pressure to boost its defence spending. Last year, Labour pledged to increase overall defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027, costing an additional £6bn a year. The defence investment plan will set out how new equipment and infrastructure will be paid for and which areas will be prioritised. According to reports, Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard delivered the forecast warning of a £28bn shortfall in spending plans to the prime minister and chancellor ahead of Christmas. Appearing before the committee on Monday, Sir Richard confirmed he had met Sir Keir Starmer in December and that they had talked about the defence investment plan but added that material discussed was "classified secret".

Source: The Times January 13, 2026 14:51 UTC