UK Defence Plan Delayed, Starmer Says Government Is “Working Flat Out”. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under growing pressure over delays to Britain’s long-awaited defence investment plan. The plan, meant to fund the country’s Strategic Defence Review, was expected this year but has now been pushed into 2026. Defence firms warn the uncertainty is already affecting business decisions and putting skilled jobs at risk. At the heart of the delay is a budget dispute between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury, with military leaders arguing current funding is not enough to deliver key capabilities - According to Politico. Labour MP Tan Dhesi criticised the hold-up, saying it has gone too far as security threats increase. Starmer defended the delay, insisting the government is working hard and will publish the plan once critical decisions are fully settled, pointing to a planned rise in defence spending to 2.6 percent of GDP by 2027.