Key facts
- Kemi Badenoch accused Andy Burnham of "fiddling while Europe is at risk of burning."
- Badenoch urged the Prime Minister to cut the welfare budget to fund increased defense spending.
- Former military chiefs have raised concerns about Britain's preparedness for war.
- Burnham stated that national security should not come at the expense of social security.
- The Conservatives proposed capping housing benefit to raise £4bn for defense.
- The UK has pledged to commit 3.5% of national income to defense by 2035.
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, has sharply criticized Andy Burnham, accusing him of inaction on defense spending while Europe faces growing threats. Badenoch reiterated her party's stance that the welfare budget should be reduced to increase defense funding, a position she believes is crucial given the escalating Russian threat and concerns raised by former military chiefs about the UK's military readiness.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Badenoch stated that "difficult choices cannot be avoided through dither and delay," and that the government must "fund our defence properly." She contrasted the UK's approach with that of France and Poland, suggesting that other European nations are taking more decisive action against Russia. Badenoch also questioned the role of Wes Streeting, the current defense secretary, in this context.
The debate over "welfare versus warfare" has intensified since Burnham's comments on September 9, where he argued that national security should not be prioritized over social security. Badenoch warned that this message was "dangerous" and would be perceived negatively in Moscow and Manchester. She emphasized the need for a serious approach, stating, "We have to stop pretending that we are living in a carefree end of history when Russia is testing our resolve week after week."
The UK has committed to spending 3.5% of its national income on defense by 2035, aligning with NATO pledges. However, pressure is mounting on Chancellor John Healey to detail how further increases will be funded ahead of the upcoming budget. Former security minister Lord West described Britain's military as being in a "parlous state," suggesting the country is already operating in a "grey zone" of conflict due to cyber-attacks and other threats. Lord Dannatt, a former chief of the general staff, echoed these concerns, stating that both Burnham and Healey were being irresponsible with national security.
The Conservatives have proposed capping housing benefits to generate £4 billion for defense, a policy they claim would not lead to homelessness but might require some individuals to relocate to more affordable areas. The party is set to hold its annual conference in Birmingham in two weeks.