Ben Jennings' latest cartoon takes aim at Keir Starmer's defence investment plan, depicting the Labour leader juggling military spending commitments against a backdrop of public service cuts. The cartoon, published on 1 July 2026, uses satire to question the feasibility of Starmer's pledge to increase defence expenditure while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Visual commentary on defence spending
The illustration shows Starmer balancing a large missile labelled "defence investment" on one hand, while struggling to hold onto a crumbling NHS and schools with the other. A caption reads: "Starmer's balancing act: more guns, less butter." According to Jennings, the cartoon reflects the tension between Labour's promise to meet NATO's 2.5% GDP target and the party's domestic spending plans.
Starmer announced the defence investment plan earlier this week, committing an additional £15 billion over five years. The plan aims to modernise the armed forces and boost cyber capabilities. However, critics argue the funding would require cuts to other departments. A government spokesperson said the investment would be funded through "efficiencies and reprioritisation," without specifying which areas would be affected.
Political reactions
The cartoon has sparked debate on social media. Shadow defence secretary John Healey dismissed the portrayal, stating: "This investment is essential for national security and will not come at the expense of public services." Conversely, Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood welcomed the plan but questioned the timing, given the current economic climate.
Jennings' work often targets political figures. In a previous cartoon, he lampooned Boris Johnson's Partygate scandal. The artist told the Guardian: "Starmer's defence plan is a gift for cartoonists because it encapsulates the classic dilemma of choosing between guns and butter."
Public opinion
A recent YouGov poll found that 52% of Britons support increasing defence spending, but only 28% back cuts to health or education to fund it. The cartoon taps into this public sentiment, highlighting the perceived disconnect between political promises and practical realities.
The defence investment plan is expected to be a key issue at the next general election. As Jennings' cartoon suggests, Starmer faces a difficult balancing act to convince voters that both security and public services can be prioritised.
