Delays to a critical defence bill have sparked warnings about the UK’s war readiness.
Conservative MP Stuart Anderson has voiced deep concern that the Defence Readiness Bill, intended to accelerate military preparedness, will not feature in the King’s Speech on May 13, 2026.
Mr Anderson said: "In Parliament, I have consistently urged Ministers to ensure the readiness, lethality, and survivability of our Armed Forces.
"I am deeply concerned that the government has delayed plans to accelerate war readiness until next year, meaning it will not feature in the King’s Speech on May 13, 2026.
"The world faces an ultimate volatility that has not been seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall or the September 11 attacks on the US.
"We are not moving as fast as other nations on war readiness."
The King’s Speech sets out the legislative agenda for the next session of Parliament.
This plan, promised last Autumn, would have set a multi-year plan for purchasing the equipment, weapons, and munitions needed to place Britain on a war footing.
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