Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has hit out at Prime Minister Andy Burnham over reports he is considering delaying a decision on increasing defence spending. The Prime Minister could push back the spending review, which would set out a timetable for bumping up defence spending to 3% of GDP, from spring to autumn, in the hope that the economy improves.
Badenoch Calls for Forward Planning
Discussing a Tory pledge to build a new “iron dome” aimed at defending Britain, Mrs Badenoch told BBC Breakfast: “I want us to start thinking ahead. Conservatives are thinking about the future. We don’t think that we should just sit back and wait until something happens. We’ve got to make sure we think ahead and protect our country.”
She went on: “I want our Government to be doing something like this, but they’re not talking about defence at all. They’re not talking about what they’re going to do, where they’re going to get the money from. I’ve just heard that they’ve delayed the spending review yet again. We need to start getting ready now.”
Spending Review Delay Reported
The reports suggest the spending review could be postponed from spring to autumn, with the delay potentially linked to hopes that economic conditions will improve. The review would normally set out a timetable for increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP.
The Conservative leader’s comments come as her party continues to campaign on defence and security issues, including the proposed “iron dome” system. The BBC reported her remarks on Tuesday morning.
