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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 27 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Defence: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Select Committee session on the Defence Investment Plan on 7 July 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential risks to UK national security arising from the delay in the implementation of capabilities identified in the Defence Investment Plan.

Answer

This Government has ended the underfunding and hollowing out of our Armed Forces that we inherited from the last administration.

Backed by £298 billion of investment over the next four years, the Defence Investment Plan will deliver a step change in capability, transforming our Armed Forces and realising the vision set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.

We have not waited for the publication of the Defence Investment Plan to take action. Since July 2024, we have awarded more than 1,400 defence contracts, with 94% of their total value going to UK-based businesses, strengthening our defence industrial base and supporting jobs and growth across the country. Last year alone, we spent more than £31 billion with UK industry – an above inflation increase in spending.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17372
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Defence Finance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk