PM wants delayed defence investment plan published by Nato summit, MPs told

Sir Keir Starmer is "determined to publish" the long delayed military spending plan before next month's Nato summit, according to the defence secretary.

John Healey outlined the prime minister's latest timetable for the 10-year defence investment plan (DIP), as unions and defence firms warned the continued delays are a "threat" to British jobs, skills and national security.

Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said defence workers and civil servants are "crying out for certainty", while trade body ADS said some small and medium enterprises are "really struggling".

The DIP was initially expected to be published in autumn 2025. The Nato summit takes place from 7 July.

The DIP will explain how new equipment and defence infrastructure will be funded over the coming decade and follows the wide-ranging Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published on 2 June 2025 .

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge asked if the Treasury has signed off the plan.

Healey did not offer a direct answer, replying: "I can say to him very clearly that the prime minister is determined that we publish the defence investment plan before the Nato summit."

Cartlidge countered: "No wonder the defence investment plan is so late - Labour still haven't worked out how to pay for it."