LIVE: UK PM Keir Starmer takes questions in parliament

Record £300 billion defense investment plan announced

Starmer announced defense spending will rise to £80 billion annually by 2029, representing a 27% real terms increase and the largest sustained funding boost since the 1980s, including upgrades to nuclear capabilities and naval bases.

Opposition alleges £5 billion funding shortfall exists

Kemi Badenoch challenged the plan as inadequate, citing the Chief of Defence Staff's request for £28 billion additional funding and claiming the proposal contains £11 billion in unidentified savings and a £5 billion gap.

Military leaders criticize plan as insufficient

Starmer faced criticism from former army head Lord Richard Dannatt who called the plan 'woefully inadequate,' and General Sir Richard Barrons who stated Britain will not be ready to defend itself properly by 2030.

NHS celebrates 78th year with improved performance metrics

Starmer highlighted that waiting lists are falling at the fastest rate in 17 years, cancer diagnosis times are at record lows, and the government reached an agreement to end resident doctors' strikes.

Frimley Park hospital site selection faces corruption claims

MP Al Pinkerton accused local officials of predetermining the hospital relocation site before the official procurement process began in 2023, while Starmer defended the project as a prioritized investment correcting previous unfunded promises.

Highest social housing delivery since 1991 reported

The government announced 2024/25 saw the highest annual construction of social and affordable homes in over 30 years, backed by £39 billion including 1,000 new homes in Luton and Bedfordshire.

Welfare spending trade-offs defended by government

Starmer justified defense priorities by noting the previous government increased welfare spending by £88 billion while cutting defense GDP percentage from 2.5% to 2.3%, claiming £22 billion in fiscal headroom enables current investments.

Funeral industry regulation demanded after infant mistreatment

Following cases where a funeral director allegedly mishandled infant remains with no legal recourse due to lack of industry regulation, Starmer committed to implementing stronger oversight and standards.