Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and potential Labour leadership contenders, proposing cuts to welfare to fund increased defence spending. The move follows the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who protested that planned military funding falls short of what is needed.
Badenoch's Letter to Starmer and Labour Figures
In her letter, Badenoch states: "The first duty of every Government must be to protect our security – but the man who was until Thursday your Defence Secretary, John Healey, has laid out your failure to do so properly." She warns that the world is "more dangerous and threatening than we have known in our lifetimes" and cites intelligence assessments of a possible Russian attack on NATO by 2030.
The Tory leader has copied in several Labour figures, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Al Carns, and Energy Security Secretary Ed Miliband. This reflects expectations that Starmer could face a leadership challenge if Burnham wins the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
Offer of Support for Welfare Cuts
Badenoch offers Conservative support to reduce the benefits bill, arguing that Starmer's left-wing MPs will not back real welfare reform. She proposes restoring the two-child benefit cap and creating a "sovereign defence fund." She also requests an "urgent meeting" with Starmer to discuss defence funding.
The letter highlights a reported £28 billion funding shortfall for the Ministry of Defence and criticises delays in publishing the Defence Investment Plan, which was expected last autumn. NATO leaders are due to gather in Turkey next month.
Response from Number 10
A Number 10 spokesperson dismissed the Conservative proposals, saying: "The Conservatives have no credibility on welfare or defence. They left too many people out of work and failed to invest in our armed forces. Under Keir Starmer's leadership, this Labour Government has helped hundreds of thousands more people into work and is delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War."
Badenoch's letter also requests that her shadow Defence Secretary and shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office be briefed urgently on Privy Council terms about the Defence Investment Plan and the risks of a Russian attack on NATO within four years.
