Badenoch accuses Burnham of stalling defence budget
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accuses PM Andy Burnham of delaying defence spending, pledging to hit 3% of GDP by 2030.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Kemi Badenoch criticizes the government over defence spending delays
- Conservatives commit to raising defence budget to 3% of GDP by 2030
- Funding relies on welfare reforms and tax exemptions adjustments
- Labour plans to outline a 3.5% NATO target pathway in the spring
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham for allegedly delaying decisions on the UK's defence budget during a speech delivered at an event in central London. Badenoch asserted that a future Conservative government would ensure defence spending reaches 3% of gross domestic product by the year 2030.
According to the opposition leader, this commitment would amount to 10 billion pounds annually and would be financed through several policy changes, including the reinstatement of the two-child benefit cap, housing benefit reforms, and the removal of VAT exemptions for Motability vehicles.
Pointing to geopolitical threats from nations such as Russia and Iran, Badenoch told a press conference that conflict is approaching and immediate action is required. Meanwhile, Burnham's administration has stated it will release a roadmap in the spring to meet the NATO target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"Andy Burnham is kicking defence spending into the long grass. Our enemies are not going to sit around and wait for Labour to find the money to fight them."
The debate also referenced John Healey, who resigned as defence secretary in June due to the previous government's failure to commit to the 3% target. Badenoch argued that Healey's stance on defence funding appears to have shifted since becoming chancellor, suggesting he may have been swayed by a promotion.
The political friction over UK defence spending highlights ongoing debates regarding national security priorities versus domestic social welfare programs, with both major parties trading criticism over past military downsizing and funding mechanisms.
In response, a Labour Party spokesperson dismissed the Conservative proposals as unserious, arguing that previous Tory administrations had significantly reduced the size of the British Army. Burnham has maintained that his government is fully dedicated to bolstering military funding, noting that Labour has delivered the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
Source: BBC Politics
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