Defence workers crying out for certainty, says Prospect

Defence workers and civil servants in the Ministry of Defence are crying out for certainty, says Prospect, as the release of the Government’s long-promised Defence Investment Plan continues to be delayed.

The plan was due to be published last autumn but the BBC reports that it is now expected to be published before next month’s NATO summit in Turkey.

Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy, who is quoted in the BBC News story , said:

“It’s a year since the Strategic Defence Review and since then the global situation has deteriorated even further. The SDR identified the many threats facing the UK — the Defence Investment Plan is needed to address them. Defence workers, and civil servants in the MoD, are crying out for certainty and a fully funded DIP.

“Every month of delay is a month where fewer jobs and training places are created, and where industry is unable to invest in the infrastructure we will need to ensure sovereign capability.

“This is not just about spending. If done properly the DIP can transform areas of the UK, boost the economy, increase employment and secure the future of defence communities for years to come.”