Statistics regulator rules Starmer used misleading defence spending figures

The UK Statistics Authority ruled that Sir Keir Starmer, the Wales Office and the Ministry of Defence used misleading figures by presenting £270bn — total planned defence spending across the Parliament — as an increase. Interim chair Penny Young told shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge it is "incorrect and misleading" to describe the sum that way. Starmer first used the formulation to MPs in March.