Keir Starmer's muffled message |
The prime minister's launch of the strategic defence review, containing a tough message about new submarines, new nuclear weapons delivery systems and lots of drones, was marred by confusion over the target date for higher defence spending.
Keir Starmer promised a "battle-ready, armour-clad nation", but wouldn't quite say when. He has already announced a rise in defence spending from 2.3 to 2.5 per cent of national income by 2027-28.
Today John Healey, the defence secretary, said the next target, of 3 per cent, would "definitely" be met in the next parliament – that is, by 2034 at the latest. But Healey then said this was an "ambition" and Starmer said: "I am not, as the prime minister of a Labour government, going to make a commitment as to the precise date until I can be sure precisely where the money is coming from." |
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Which company, founded in 1868, owns Jaguar Land Rover? |
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| | A biometric entry system for non-EU citizens was due last year, but has been delayed |
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| 'I thought the government believed in the rehabilitation of offenders,' said a spokesperson for the former PM |
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| Reform leader alleged Scottish Labour leader said south Asians 'are going to take over the world' |
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What else you need to know today |
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Can Rachel Reeves calm Labour's troubled waters with her spending review? |
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Sean O'Grady examines the causes of dissent within the party, and how the chancellor might try to keep everyone happy – though don't hold your breath on that... Read more |
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Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble |
Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for |
Keir Starmer will chair cabinet. They are likely to discuss an announcement following today's defence review of £2bn investment in drones. The Commons will sit from 11.30am, starting with questions on justice – another opportunity for Robert Jenrick, the omnipresent shadow justice secretary. Later MPs will debate dementia care.
The science select committee will hold a one-off hearing about mobile phone theft at 9.30am. The Treasury committee will question Andrew Bailey, the Bank of England governor, about interest rates at 10.15am.
Jenny Chapman, the development minister and Labour peer, will be quizzed by the International Development Committee at 2pm.
The business committee will look at the US-UK trade deal with representatives of affected industries at 2.15pm. Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, is due to discuss the possible impact of Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariff on steel imports with his US counterpart at a G7 ministers' meeting in Paris.
Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, will appear before the Home Affairs Committee at 2.30pm. |
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"I don't believe in performative fantasy politics"
Keir Starmer, explaining why he wouldn't set a date for higher defence spending |
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| Quiz answer: Tata Group (owner of Tata Motors) |
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