The UK's new Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis, has taken office amid growing pressure over military spending. He replaced John Healey, who resigned after accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government of failing to fund adequate defence capabilities amid rising global threats. Healey argued that current plans only reach 2.68% of GDP by 2030, far below his preferred 3%, and called the proposed £10bn in additional funding insufficient. The delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP), meant to outline military spending for the next decade, is still not public and was originally due last autumn.

Jarvis, a former army officer, has pledged to ensure the armed forces receive the equipment and support they need, despite constrained fiscal resources. He emphasized his responsibility to deliver for defence and is now reviewing the DIP’s details. While the government remains committed to raising defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, the path to that goal remains unclear. Downing Street confirmed the DIP will be published before the upcoming NATO summit, but not imminently.

The controversy has also led to the resignation of armed forces minister Al Carns, deepening the internal rift. Prime Minister Starmer defended the government’s record, saying the DIP will provide necessary resources for national security. With geopolitical tensions rising, the debate centers on how quickly and fully the UK can modernize its military within economic constraints.