Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has called for former Defence Secretary John Healey to give evidence to the Defence Select Committee. The Liberal Democrat MP said delays to the Defence Investment Plan are undermining confidence in the UK's defence capability and defence industry.

Ms Dyke, who chairs the Women in Defence APPG, said Mr Healey's resignation raised "serious questions" about the Government's handling of national security. The Defence Committee has also said the Defence Investment Plan "cannot be delayed further" and must be affordable, deliverable and fully funded.

The call follows Mr Healey's resignation as Defence Secretary, which was reported on Wednesday, 11 June, after disagreement over defence spending. Reports said the Defence Investment Plan had been delayed amid arguments over funding, with concerns about whether the settlement would be enough to meet current security pressures.

Ms Dyke said: "John Healey's resignation is a significant moment for UK defence and raises serious questions about the Government's approach to national security.

"I thank him for his support of the Women in Defence APPG and his commitment to widening opportunities across the defence sector. However, when the Defence Secretary walks away while the Defence Investment Plan remains delayed, Ministers can no longer ignore concerns that defence is being asked to do more with too little."

Ms Dyke said the delays have consequences beyond Westminster, including for Somerset's defence workforce and supply chains. Her constituency includes links to RNAS Yeovilton, Thales in Templecombe and businesses supporting defence work across the South West.

The constituency also has links to Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, one of the region's major defence employers, and specialist firms including Somerton-based Needles and Pins Aerospace. Ms Dyke said uncertainty over the plan affects both operational readiness and local industry confidence.

She said: "These delays are damaging operational readiness, industry confidence and our standing with allies. They also create uncertainty for defence businesses and workers here in Somerset.

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"The men and women who serve, alongside the civilians, reservists, academics and industry workforce who support them, are the foundation of our defence capability. Readiness is not simply about equipment. It is about whether we are investing in the people, skills and industrial capacity needed to keep Britain secure.

"At a time of growing global uncertainty, the Government must provide clarity, publish the Defence Investment Plan without further delay and give our Armed Forces and defence industries the long-term confidence they need."

The Liberal Democrats have called for defence spending to reach 3 per cent of GDP by 2030. The party has also urged the Government to strengthen cooperation with European allies and support British defence manufacturers through long-term investment.

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