Keir Starmer to unveil UK defence plan before NATO summit in Antalya

Former UK prime minister Keir Starmer will present a ten‑year defence investment plan ahead of the NATO summit in Antalya on 7 July. The briefing is expected to be his last international appearance before a successor takes over in mid‑July.

Starmer said the plan will detail military spending for the next decade, aim to increase funding, and revise how the money is allocated, citing lessons learned from Ukraine’s war. Potential Labour leader Andy Burnham has signalled a desire to influence the plan.

The defence review, originally slated for autumn 2025, was delayed by fiscal constraints. The process prompted the resignation of defence secretary John Healy on 11 June, who argued the proposed budget was insufficient to counter the Russian threat.