Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to publish the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP) ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July 7, shortly before handing over power to his successor, Andy Burnham. The decision marks a significant shift after nearly a year of postponements caused by disagreements between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The DIP had been expected much earlier, but its release was deferred amid ongoing disputes over funding and policy direction. Starmer’s tenure on defence matters has faced criticism for delays and indecision, with key strategic reviews and investment proposals repeatedly pushed back. During this period, military personnel reportedly operated with constrained resources as government departments grappled with budget negotiations.

Downing Street has maintained that no major policy announcements or spending commitments would be made in the closing weeks of Starmer’s premiership, making the timing of the DIP’s imminent release a notable exception. Observers suggest this last-minute rush may reflect an effort by Starmer to cement a defence legacy or potentially complicate the incoming administration’s priorities.

The Defence Secretary, John Healey, resigned recently amid concerns over the scope and adequacy of the plan, which some critics said fell short of meeting current defence needs. The pending publication of the DIP before the leadership transition raises questions about whether the new government will endorse, revise, or scale back the outlined commitments.

Some analysts warn that releasing a substantial defence plan without the incoming Prime Minister’s consultation could prolong uncertainty, risking further delays as the new administration reviews and potentially reshapes policies. There is speculation that Starmer’s push to finalise the DIP may be driven in part by political considerations, following recent moves by the government, including a high-profile seizure of a Russian vessel, perceived by some as strategic gestures ahead of the leadership change.

As the government prepares for the NATO summit, the publication of the Defence Investment Plan is expected to draw close scrutiny from defence officials, political analysts, and international partners, given its implications for the United Kingdom’s security posture amid a complex global landscape.