Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, has proposed cutting welfare spending to fund a £50 billion increase in defence. The plan includes reinstating a two-child benefit cap and restricting benefits and social housing access for non-British citizens.
The proposal signals a significant shift in Conservative fiscal priorities, potentially impacting millions of welfare recipients and reshaping the UK's defence capabilities. It also sets the stage for a direct policy debate with the Labour party on spending priorities ahead of future elections.
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, is set to unveil an "alternative King's Speech" proposing significant welfare reforms to fund a £50 billion increase in defence spending. The plan, detailed in 16 proposed bills, aims to cut over £20 billion from the welfare budget. Key measures include reinstating the two-child benefit cap, which is expected to save more than £3.2 billion, with half of these savings earmarked for defence.
The proposals also target non-British citizens, aiming to end their eligibility for benefits upon being granted permanent residence and barring them from social housing. Furthermore, individuals with "lower-level" mental health conditions would no longer qualify for personal independence payments (PIPs), and face-to-face assessments for PIPs would be reintroduced.
These proposals come ahead of Labour's own King's Speech, where Sir Keir Starmer is expected to present his party's legislative agenda. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, criticized Labour, stating they "lack the backbone" to reallocate funds from benefits to the military amidst serious security threats.