Minister Criticises Cuts To Pay For Defence Spending Boos

A government minister has criticised plans to cancel road building projects to pay for a funding boost for defence.

Keir Starmer announced that an extra £1.5 billion had been found for the Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

Energy and transport projects will be axed in order to fund the extra spending, which will see the defence budget increase to £80bn a year by 2029.

That decision has angered Hamish Falconer, the minister for the Middle East and North Africa, who is seen as a loyalist within the Starmer government.

The Lincoln MP said: “I am disappointed by the uncertainty today about the A46 Newark Bypass widening scheme.

“I support further funding for the DIP, but the A46 upgrade programme is well-advanced, long-awaited, excellent value for money and of strategic importance to both Lincoln and the region.

“Following the Labour Party leadership contest, I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the incoming prime minister, incoming chancellor and incoming secretary of state for transport to discuss this decision and explore whether there is a credible route forward for this vital project.

“I will continue to make the strongest possible case for the investment that both Lincoln and the wider region need and deserve.”

Overall, Starmer said the DIP will provide an extra £15 billion for defence by the end of the decade.

That is £1.5bn more than the amount John Healey was promised, prompting him to resign as defence secretary earlier this month.

But it is still well short of the £28bn that defence chiefs say is needed to meet the needs of Britain’s armed forces.

Starmer has been under pressure to explain how the UK will increase defence spending amid growing international threats, particularly from Russia.

The general secretary of TSSA union, Maryam Eslamdoust, also warned about the consequences of cutting transport projects to fund defence.

She said: “It is because of decisions like this that Keir Starmer’s premiership came to an end.

“At a time when Britain is crying out for investment in our economy, infrastructure and communities, it is alarming that the prime minister appears willing to abandon much-needed transport and road projects in order to arm Britain to the teeth.

“Instead of backing the domestic investment that will drive growth, create jobs, and improve living standards, taxpayers’ money is being diverted away from Britain’s priorities.

“The prime minister must not use his final days in office to quietly shelve vital infrastructure improvements and must urgently clarify exactly what this extra defence spending will mean for transport and other essential public services.”

Healey weighed in on the new defence investment plan too, saying on X that he “welcomes the extra funding” from the Treasury.

But he noted the DIP must also help grow British industry with new jobs, and “provide the British leadership alies are looking for”.

He added: “The world has changed. Threats have increased. Demands on defence have risen. The PM has made important new UK commitments. So we must now do more.”

“Today is the next downpayment for defence. It builds on the record defence investment Labour in government has already made. But Britain will still be spending just 2.7% of GDP in 2030, the date when Nato has warned we could face a Russian attack,” he said.

“European security is at stake. The PM has said today that 3% must be the number 1 priority for the next spending review. We need a target date for 3% and a clear, credible funding plan to meet our Nato commitment for 3.5% on defence by 2035.”

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