Politics latest: MoD told to find £11bn of cuts under Starmer’s defence investment plan

Dan Jarvis has said the Ministry of Defence must find £11bn worth of cuts as part of the defence investment plan (DIP).

These cuts are expected to come from reducing the armed forces workforce as well as cutting back spending on consultancy and expanding the use of technology and digital tools and techniques to boost efficiency.

The defence secretary has said there would be “tough choices” as he unveiled the full details of the £15 billion DIP, which has already faced criticism despite Sir Keir Starmer’s hopes to cement a more positive legacy as he announces it before his premiership ends.

The prime minister announced a £5 billion boost in new military weapons as part of the full settlement of £14.5 billion, rounded up by an extra billion pounds. Critics have called the boost a “drop in the ocean” when compared to the £28 billion many defence officials have said is needed.

Road and energy projects are set to be scrapped to pay for the military, the prime minister acknowledged.

Donald Trump warned the UK and Nato allies on Monday to abide by the five per cent defence pledge.