Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared that national security “can’t come at the expense of social security” after being challenged on defence funding during Prime Minister’s Questions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pressed the Prime Minister on whether his government would commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030 and how such an increase would be financed.
Government defence strategy
Burnham described the government’s commitment to defence as “absolute” and promised to set a target date for reaching the 3% figure by the spring. Regarding funding, he stated he would reduce the welfare bill in the “Labour way” by focusing on education reform, youth support, and expanded mental health services.
Political reaction
- The Conservatives criticized the remarks, with a spokesperson stating: “Britain heard it loud and clear today: Andy Burnham will not cut welfare to fund the defence of our country. The prime minister is prioritising the ballooning benefits bill over our national security. Shameful.”
- Following the session, Burnham’s team reiterated that “national security is the most important duty of any government” and maintained that the Prime Minister remains committed to lowering the welfare bill.
- However, his team clarified that this goal does not involve “crude cuts” that could push individuals into crisis, homelessness, or create higher long-term costs elsewhere in the system.
