PM to push ahead with controversial defence plan despite resignation

PM to push ahead with controversial defence plan despite resignationImage source, PA MediaImage caption, Finnish and British soldiers take part in a training exercise near the Finnish-Russian borderByKate WhannelPolitical reporterPublished13 minutes agoCommentsThe long-awaited defence investment plan will be published ahead of next month's Nato summit, Downing Street has said, despite Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister.A Downing Street spokesman said there would be no new "major policies" or spending decisions during the transition to the next prime minister.However, the government is still planning to press ahead with the controversial defence spending proposals, which have already triggered the resignations of two defence ministers.The decision could cause tension with Sir Keir's successor, who may want to revise defence spending when they take over. On Monday, Sir Keir announced that he would resign as Labour leader and prime minister but will stay on as leader until the party picks a replacement. Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and the only candidate to have formally joined the leadership race so far, has previously said, external he would reduce the welfare bill by getting more people into work and thereby ensuring more money for defence.Al Carns, who is considering entering the contest, resigned as armed forces minister last month in protest at the defence investment plan (DIP) which he said was "not built for the threat we face".If either MP becomes prime minister they will have to decide whether to stick to the current plan or unpick it, further postponing its implementation. MPs have already warned that repeated delays to publication were undermining the UK's credibility with allies.Delays to defence plan undermine UK credibility, MPs sayPublished7 JuneMinister supports Burnham as Labour MPs split over possible contest for leadershipPublished3 hours agoChris Mason: Questions multiply fo...