'We need the plan NOW!' James Murray scolded over Labour's defence plan delay in fiery GB News grilling

James Murray has firmly rejected accusations that the Government is taking a relaxed approach to defence matters in a fiery GB News grilling.

Challenged by host Ellie Costello on Labour's failure to publish the Defence Investment Plan, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury pushed back and claimed that it will be available "as soon as possible".

Interjecting Mr Murray, Ellie stressed to the Labour MP: "We don't have time. RAF Akrotiri has already come under attack.

"We had the Defence Secretary speaking just a few days ago about threats in the High North, and it appeared the only thing that we could say to Putin was, we can see you. We need the Defence Investment Plan now."

He explained the Government wanted to ensure the plan properly accounts for emerging security challenges, stating: "We need to make sure the defence investment plan recognises those new threats.

"And what we're learning from what's happening in Ukraine, what's happening in the Middle East."

He was keen to emphasise that ministers have not been inactive while work continues on finalising the strategic document.

The Labour minister told GB News: "Whilst we are doing this work to get the defence investment plan right, we are not sat on our hands."

Mr Murray pushed back against the criticism from Lord Robertson, stating: "Look, I've got a lot of respect for Lord Robertson, but I just fundamentally disagree with him on this."

He noted that the First Sea Lord had addressed MPs earlier this week, confirming there was no complacency whatsoever in his interactions with Government officials on defence matters.

Mr Murray highlighted the concrete steps already taken by ministers, urging observers to examine the decisions made by the Chancellor and Prime Minister to boost defence investment.

He argued: "We came into office with a commitment in our manifesto about setting out a pathway towards spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence over this parliament.

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"We're going to hit 2.6 per cent by April next year because of decisions that the Chancellor and the rest of the Government have taken already."

He described this as "the highest sustained level since the Cold War," attributing the increase to decisions already implemented by the Chancellor and her Cabinet colleagues.

Mr Murray stressed the significance of properly directing this investment, noting: "It's not just a question of how much you spend. It's also how you spend it."

Murray emphasised the importance of producing a document that addresses future dangers rather than rushing publication, saying the strategy must be "fit for purpose" and oriented towards the threats Britain will face.

Mr Murray was keen to emphasise that ministers have not been inactive while work continues on finalising the strategic document.

He told GB News: "Whilst we are doing this work to get the defence investment plan right, we are not sat on our hands."

The Treasury minister pointed to substantial ongoing procurement programmes, highlighting investments in helicopters, submarines and nuclear reactors as examples of significant capability enhancements already in progress.

Mr Murray underlined the importance of these existing commitments, describing them as "huge, important capabilities for our military" that are essential for national protection while the broader ten-year transformation strategy is completed.