Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of delaying plans to increase defence spending, saying Britain must act now in response to growing international threats.
Badenoch said a Conservative government would raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. She said the increase would require around £10bn a year and outlined several measures her party would use to help fund it.
Speaking at a press conference in central London, Badenoch pointed to threats from countries including Russia and Iran. She argued that Britain cannot afford to wait while other countries strengthen their military capabilities.
“Conflict is coming, we must act now,” Badenoch said.
Badenoch Attacks Burnham’s Defence Plans
Badenoch accused Burnham of putting the issue off rather than committing to the funding immediately. She said Britain’s potential enemies would not wait for the government to find the money needed to strengthen the armed forces.
The government has committed to setting out a pathway in the spring toward spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035. However, Badenoch wants a faster increase and has repeatedly called for the 3% target to be reached by 2030.
She also questioned the position of Chancellor John Healey, who resigned as defence secretary in June over the previous government’s failure to commit to a 3% defence spending target.
Badenoch said she had praised Healey for leaving the role at the time. She now argues that his position appears to have changed since becoming chancellor.
The Conservative leader said Burnham should call a general election if his government cannot provide the money needed to meet the target.
Conservatives Outline Funding Plans
Badenoch repeated her party’s proposals for financing higher defence spending. One of the measures would restore the two-child benefit cap, which Labour removed in April.
The Conservatives also want to reform housing benefit. Badenoch said the changes could save at least £4bn. Another proposal would remove the VAT exemption for Motability vehicles, which the party estimates could raise a further £1bn.
The Conservatives also pointed to savings linked to the Chagos deal and proposed redirecting money from the British Business Bank toward defence.
Housing benefit accounts for a significant share of government welfare spending. The government has forecast spending of around £37.3bn on the benefit this year.
Badenoch Rejects Child Poverty Criticism
Badenoch faced questions about whether restoring the two-child benefit cap could increase child poverty. She rejected the criticism.
She argued that low household incomes and unemployment are bigger factors behind child poverty. Badenoch also said the Conservatives want to grow the economy and encourage more people into work.
Her comments came after she challenged Burnham on defence spending during Prime Minister’s Questions. She called on the government to reduce welfare spending and use the money to strengthen defence.
Labour MP Tan Dhesi also pressed Burnham during the session, calling for a clear commitment to reach 3% of GDP on defence by 2030. He warned that the government needed more than promises to address the issue.
Government Defends Defence Commitment
Burnham has insisted that his government remains committed to fully funding its defence plans. The government says it will publish a pathway toward spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035.
The dispute highlights a growing political divide over how quickly Britain should increase military spending and, more importantly, how the government should pay for it.
