Starmer published the UK’s much-delayed defence investment plan

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Keir Starmer has published the long-delayed defence investment plan, providing the armed forces with an extra £15bn in one of his final acts as prime minister. The money has been taken from road and energy schemes, and it will raise defence spending from 2.4% to 2.7% of GDP. Despite months of negotiations, this is not enough to plug an estimated shortfall of £28bn. But it is more than the amount offered to John Healey, who resigned earlier this month. More efficiencies will have to be found in the future to meet an eventual spending target of 3.5%, a process that is likely just as fraught. The plan itself reflects lessons from Ukraine and Iran. Older kit including Chinook helicopters and Type 23 frigates will be retired in favour of aerial drones, AI targeting systems and uncrewed ships. There is also a funding boost for the special forces.