A parliamentary spending watchdog has criticised delays in releasing the government’s defence investment plan. Originally due last autumn, the document has faced repeated postponements amid concerns over a major funding shortfall for the military in the coming four years. Publication is now expected ahead of a Nato summit next month. The public accounts committee warned that the hold-up harms trust among Britain’s allies. Committee chair Geoffrey Clifton-Brown stated that claims of needing more time for accuracy fail to justify the absence. He noted lasting harm to national credibility, security, armed forces and the defence industry. The report said the Ministry of Defence has yet to identify required capabilities and funding within budget limits or gain necessary cross-government support. The prime minister has pledged release before the Nato meeting in Turkey on 7 July. The ministry described a large spending rise and said the plan will address inherited shortfalls. Reports also indicate work on a submarine maintenance strategy after several vessels were sidelined. A naval source cited long-term underinvestment in support facilities. Separately, a technical fault was found on a flagship carrier in Norway. The deputy prime minister reaffirmed a commitment to higher defence spending targets.
