Keir Starmer was forced onto the defensive over military spending plans that left a £5 billion shortfall for his would-be successor Andy Burnham. The Prime Minister clashed with Kemi Badenoch at PMQs over funding for the long-awaited defence investment plan (Dip), after it emerged that billions of pounds would need to be found in the next Budget.
PMQs Clash Over Defence Funding
Mr Starmer argued that “any Labour Prime Minister would stand behind” the plan, when pressed on whether Mr Burnham knew about the shortfall. But the Makerfield MP is understood to have been blindsided by the funding gap, which economists said could leave him forced to consider tax rises, spending cuts or more borrowing to drum up the cash.
The Prime Minister accused the Tories of “faux outrage” after the party hollowed out the armed forces during their 14-year stint in power. He added: “I'm proud of this Labour government and any Labour prime minister would stand beside this plan.”
Details of the Defence Investment Plan
The plans for £15 billion spending over the next four years are higher than the previous figure of £13.5 billion, which triggered the resignations of ex-Defence Secretary John Healey and ex-Armed Forces Minister Al Carns. But it falls far below the £28 billion demanded by defence chiefs.
The Treasury has identified £10.3 billion in savings from other areas such as transport and energy projects to fund the plans. But the remaining £4.7 billion will not be set out until the Budget in the autumn, leaving it in the in-tray of the next Prime Minister.
Government's Position and Reactions
Plans for cuts will be set out “by the autumn”, Downing Street has said. The PM's official spokesman failed to rule out cuts affecting some hospital building programmes but said hospitals affected by crumbling concrete and the first wave of new hospitals would not be delayed. “We have set out a credible plan for funding,” the spokesman said. “I’m not going to get ahead of that process but we’re taking the responsible decisions now to increase defence spending in response to the growing threats the UK faces.”
Defence Minister Luke Pollard claimed it was “not unusual” to leave decisions to the Budget. He said: “We’ve announced a £15 billion increase in defence spending, which is a huge boost for our readiness and helps us buy the kit and equipment that we need. Of the £15 billion extra spending power that we now have, the Treasury set out how £10 billion or so of that will be spent … £4.7 billion will be set out at the autumn budget. And that’s not unusual for governments to do.”
But Tory former defence secretary Liam Fox accused the PM of leaving a “poisoned chalice” for his successor.
Future Challenges for Andy Burnham
Mr Burnham will come under pressure to find funding for Mr Starmer's pledge to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, in line with a Nato commitment.
