Burnham-On-Sea MP Ashley Fox has challenged the Government in Parliament over delays to publishing its long‑term defence investment plans, warning that uncertainty risks undermining the UK’s national security.
Speaking in the House of Commons during a statement on the Strategic Defence Review, Mr Fox questioned why detailed welfare spending plans have been set out until 2031 while no equivalent plan has been released for defence beyond 2026.
Citing comments made by former Labour Defence Secretary Lord Robertson, he said the Government must provide clarity at a time of growing global instability.
“Lord Robertson has made it clear that we cannot defend Britain with an ever‑expanding welfare budget. My constituents deserve to know why the Government can set out welfare spending plans until 2031, but cannot publish a defence investment plan for 2026,” he told Ministers.
Mr Fox said the lack of a published long‑term strategy raises concerns for both the armed forces and the defence industry, which rely on certainty to plan equipment programmes, recruitment and future capability.
He added that with international tensions increasing, it is vital the Government sets out how it intends to maintain the UK’s military readiness and meet emerging security challenges.
The Minister responding said further details on defence spending would be set out “in due course”, but did not give a timetable.
