Starmer expected to approve $24 billion increase in UK defence spending, The Times reports

May ⁠15 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister ​Keir Starmer is expected to approve an increase of 18 billion ​pounds ($24 billion) in ‌defence spending as he faces a battle for political survival, ⁠The Times reported on Friday.

The government ⁠is still finalising a ​defence spending plan and will publish it as soon as possible, a spokesperson told Reuters.

The British government's defence investment plan ​will ‌aim to deliver new equipment and technology to frontline forces quickly while supporting economic growth, the spokesperson added.

Starmer is struggling to hold on to power after a tumultuous week ​when one of his main rivals in government quit, ‌accusing him of a lack of vision, and others positioned themselves for potential challenges to ‌his leadership.

Britain's governing Labour Party on Friday agreed to let Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham seek a return to parliament, a ​step towards a possible challenge to Starmer's leadership.

Starmer is expected to approve ‌the spending boost as soon as next week, The Times said, bringing an end to months of delays and internal ⁠rows, ⁠amid concerns in the Treasury that ‌it would be unaffordable.

It is unclear how the increase in spending will be ​funded. However, ​an unnamed source told The Times it ‌would be "fully affordable."