Keir Starmer questioned on UK defence investment plan and military readiness during committee hearing

London, 31 March 2026 — Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared before the House of Commons Liaison Committee where he was questioned on the status of the government’s defence investment plan and the broader readiness of the United Kingdom’s armed forces. The session addressed concerns over delays to the plan, recruitment and retention challenges in the military, and the UK’s posture in light of regional security developments, including activity around British bases in Cyprus.

Committee members, including Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, pressed the Prime Minister on why the defence investment plan — intended to set out funding for the Strategic Defence Review — had not yet been finalised or published. Starmer stated that the plan was in the final stages and that he was determined to make commitments only with appropriate funding secured. He emphasised the need to resolve long-standing issues of under-investment and over-commitment identified in a zero-based review of Ministry of Defence practices.

Starmer acknowledged that previous governments had not invested sufficiently in defence over many years, describing the situation inherited by the current administration as one requiring significant correction. He noted recent increases in defence spending, with a commitment to raise it to 2.5 per cent of GDP, and highlighted improvements in recruitment rates and retention measures, including pay adjustments and better accommodation for service personnel. He offered to provide detailed figures to the committee in writing.

Questions also focused on the timeline for publication of the plan, with concerns raised that further delays could create uncertainty for industry and hinder long-term planning. Starmer responded that he did not wish to set out commitments without clear funding sources identified and that resolving the matter was a priority for his government.

Discussion touched on the UK’s defensive capabilities in Cyprus following recent regional incidents. Starmer detailed pre-deployed assets, including fighter jets, air defence systems and radar, and noted ongoing communication with Cypriot authorities. He stressed that British forces were actively contributing to the protection of UK personnel and regional partners in a defensive capacity.

The hearing reflected broader parliamentary and public interest in the UK’s ability to meet current and future security challenges. The Strategic Defence Review, published earlier, outlined ambitions for a more robust military posture, including enhanced capabilities to operate in high-intensity environments and stronger contributions to NATO. Implementation of these recommendations depends on the detailed funding allocations expected in the defence investment plan.

Defence industry representatives have expressed concern that prolonged uncertainty could affect investment decisions and workforce planning. At the same time, government officials maintain that careful preparation is necessary to ensure sustainable and properly funded commitments rather than short-term announcements that cannot be delivered.

Recruitment and retention remain persistent issues for the armed forces. Starmer pointed to recent positive trends in enlistment and longer service periods, attributing part of the improvement to enhanced pay and conditions. However, committee members noted that historical shortfalls in personnel numbers continue to require attention alongside equipment modernisation.

The session occurred against a backdrop of increased global tensions, including developments in the Middle East that have tested UK defensive assets. Starmer reiterated the government’s approach of supporting allies while avoiding direct involvement in offensive operations, in line with stated policy positions.

Opposition figures have criticised the pace of defence reforms, arguing that the government has not moved quickly enough to place the UK on a stronger footing. Government representatives counter that correcting years of under-investment requires methodical work rather than rushed decisions.

As the defence investment plan nears completion, attention will turn to its specific proposals for spending trajectories, capability enhancements and industrial strategy. Parliament and industry stakeholders are expected to scrutinise the document closely once released.

The Liaison Committee hearing illustrates the intense parliamentary oversight applied to defence matters at a time when security threats and fiscal pressures intersect. Ensuring the armed forces are adequately equipped, staffed and funded remains a central priority for national policy, with implications for the UK’s international standing and domestic security.

Further updates on the defence investment plan are anticipated in the coming weeks as the government works toward finalising its detailed commitments.