UK defense spending delays and military readiness issues dominate newspaper headlines

The UK's delayed government defense spending report is dominating Sunday newspaper front pages, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly in talks to cut spending by £6 billion to finance a defense investment plan. The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), initially due last autumn, is now slated for release before the NATO summit in early July.

Reports highlight significant issues within the military, including the revelation that all five of the Royal Navy's Astute-class attack submarines are awaiting repairs and are currently unable to sail. This situation leaves Britain's underwater internet and power cables vulnerable to Russian threats, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The Sunday Express emphasizes that delays in publishing the defense spending report "leave Britain weak" during a period of international conflict. The Public Accounts Committee has called for ministers to "apologize" for failing to adequately prepare the UK for potential conflict with Russia. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that the DIP "will fix the outdated, overcommitted and underfunded program we inherited."

Beyond defense matters, the papers are also covering the trial controversy surrounding the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was fatally stabbed in December. Police bodycam footage reportedly shows Nowak being handcuffed as he lay dying, after officers attempted to intervene during the trial. The Sunday Times leads with this story, noting the Crown Prosecution Service's stance that intervention could jeopardize the case.

Royal news also features prominently, with the marriage of Peter Phillips, son of the Princess Royal, to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. Catherine, Princess of Wales, was described as "the cream of hearts" by The Sun on Sunday. Other stories include Pep Guardiola's new friendship with pundit Natalie Pike, Nigel Farage's costly beach house renovations, and concerns raised about David Sullivan's past role at West Ham United.

“

will fix the outdated, overcommitted and underfunded program we inherited.