Sky News broadcast footage of Dan Jarvis entering and exiting No 10 after meeting Keir Starmer. Reporters called out questions about the defence investment plan as he departed, asking if it faced renegotiation ahead of the Nato summit or if he was merely a temporary appointment. Jarvis offered no responses. Al Carns issued a strong critique of government defence strategy upon resigning as armed forces minister, claiming insufficient funding and misguided priorities on equipment. This follows John Healey’s unexpected departure as defence secretary the previous evening. Yesterday morning Starmer’s position appeared vulnerable within his party, with speculation about a possible replacement by Andy Burnham later this year, though his handling of defence and security matters had seemed secure. Healey’s exit undermined that perception. Carns resigned later over the unpublished defence investment plan. Starmer’s letter to Healey defended the plan as delivering a major sustainable rise in spending to meet military needs, support industry planning, enable strategic investments, attract private finance, modernise forces, and ensure efficient use of funds for domestic jobs. This suggested the disputed version would stand. However, business secretary Peter Kyle indicated the plan remained under development during morning interviews, stating it would be finalised before the early July Nato summit. Publication expected this week now appears delayed. Kyle dismissed claims that defence policy was in disarray, emphasising ongoing work on modernisation and economic benefits. Dan Jarvis was named defence secretary overnight. His stance on revising spending figures remains unclear, though he is scheduled to visit a Swindon drone facility today. A lobby briefing at 11.30am may offer further details. The day’s schedule otherwise appears limited.
