Keir Starmer is facing a major defence spending row after finally unveiling his long-awaited plan to boost Britain’s military funding.
The Prime Minister has announced around £15 billion in extra defence investment over the next four years, including major funding for drones, future fighter jets, nuclear deterrence and new military technology.
The Government says the plan will help modernise the Armed Forces, create thousands of jobs and prepare Britain for a more dangerous world. Ministers argue that future conflicts will be shaped by drones, artificial intelligence, cyber threats and fast-moving battlefield technology — not only traditional tanks and ships.
But the announcement has not ended the criticism.
Instead, it has opened a new political fight over whether Starmer is doing enough, quickly enough.
Military figures and critics have warned that the package is still far below what the Ministry of Defence had been seeking. Reports suggest the Armed Forces wanted a much larger funding settlement to deal with equipment gaps, training pressures, stockpiles and long-term readiness.
That has left opponents claiming the plan is only a partial answer to a much bigger problem.
The timing is especially sensitive because Starmer is heading towards a NATO summit where defence spending will be under intense scrutiny. Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed European allies to spend more on their own security, and Britain will be expected to show that it is taking those demands seriously.
The Government insists it remains committed to raising defence spending over time and meeting NATO expectations. But critics argue there is still no clear, immediate timetable to reach the level many defence voices believe is necessary.
For Starmer, the risk is obvious.
If he spends too little, he faces accusations of weakening Britain’s security. If he spends too much, he must explain where the money will come from at a time when public services and households are already under pressure.
The defence plan was meant to show strength, seriousness and leadership.
But with questions over the funding gap, NATO pressure and Britain’s military readiness, it may instead become another explosive test of Starmer’s authority.
And at the summit, those questions will only get louder.
