The UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) has found that Sir Keir Starmer misled MPs over defence spending, with the Conservatives claiming "Labour lies" have been exposed.
The former prime minister, who served just two years and 15 days in office, told a committee in March that Labour would spend "£270 billion more on defence than we would otherwise have done". However, the UKSA said this figure was more a total planned spend over the course of the Parliament rather than an additional amount.
Watchdog's Verdict
In a letter issued on Tuesday, the UKSA's interim chairman Penny Young confirmed that Sir Keir's comments had been "incorrect and misleading". The body had also spoken to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which had repeated the claims.
Young said: "Statisticians at the MoD have told us that analysts have spoken about the misleading wording with their communications colleagues, to ensure accurate communications on defence spending are used going forward."
Conservative Reaction
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge, who complained to the UKSA about the statement, said "Labour's lies" had been exposed. He told the Telegraph: "Labour’s lies on defence spending have been completely exposed. The independent UK Statistics Authority have confirmed that it was ‘incorrect and misleading’ for Labour to claim defence spending was increasing in this way."
The ministerial code states that MPs are required to ensure any statements to Parliament are accurate, whether made in the Commons chamber or to select committees.
MoD Response
An MoD spokesman said: "We have previously acknowledged this phrasing and took immediate steps to ensure it was not replicated."
