UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that funding for Britain's defence plan remains unallocated as he finalises the government's delayed 10-year spending blueprint. Speaking to MPs, Starmer blamed the previous Conservative administration for leaving a legacy of over-commitment and underfunding that has stalled military preparations. The defence investment plan, initially due last autumn, is now in its final stages but without a confirmed release date.

Starmer faces mounting pressure to accelerate defence spending commitments, including a Conservative push to reach 3 per cent of GDP for military funding by 2034. The Labour government has pledged to increase defence and intelligence spending to 2.6 per cent of GDP by 2027, with further increases promised. The strategic defence review released last summer outlined ambitious modernisation goals, but implementation hinges on the pending investment plan.

Britain's defence industry and international allies are growing increasingly concerned about the delays. Japan has expressed alarm over stalled joint fighter jet development with Italy due to Britain's inability to finalise spending plans. The head of Britain's armed forces has warned that existing programmes may need cuts unless the Ministry of Defence receives additional funding. Starmer denied that the stalled defence investment plan is holding up contracts, despite industry complaints to the contrary.