VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Defence: Finance

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 July 2026UIN 18653

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of whether the Defence Investment Plan enables the UK to meet all capability commitments agreed at the NATO Summit.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Defence Investment Plan implements the UK’s ‘NATO First’ approach. It places NATO requirements at the heart of UK capability planning and has been developed to deliver the optimal UK contribution into NATO’s warfighting plans, driving vital transformation of our warfighting approach and modernisation of our Armed forces.

We are investing in the capabilities NATO requires of the UK, underpinning our central role in deterrence and defence. This includes our NATO Defence Planning Process obligations around our Strategic Reserve Corps, 5th Generation Strike from Sea and Air and IAMD, as well as operational priorities such as enhancing our anti-submarine warfare capability in the North Atlantic and developing Digital Targeting and Deep Precision Strike capabilities capable of deterring adversaries’ aggression and striking in combat.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim