Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has publicly endorsed Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, stating he would make an 'excellent' Prime Minister. Speaking on Armed Forces Day, Jarvis praised Burnham's understanding of national security and the need for adequate defence investment.
Jarvis Backs Burnham Amid Defence Spending Row
Mr Jarvis, speaking as a dispute over the publication of the government's defence spending plan continues, said Mr Burnham 'understands the importance of national security and making sure that we've got the right amount of resource to invest in our armed forces'. He confirmed he was 'very supportive' of the former mayor of Greater Manchester but noted that cabinet appointments would be Burnham's decision.
Asked whether he would serve in a potential Burnham government, the Defence Secretary told the Press Association: 'I'm very supportive of Andy Burnham, who I've known for many years and who I supported previously. I think he'll be an excellent Prime Minister, but ultimately it'll be for him to appoint his cabinet.'
Defence Investment Plan Under Scrutiny
Former Sheffield City mayor Mr Jarvis, speaking on Armed Forces Day on Saturday, emphasised the need for a 'balance' in the defence investment plan (Dip). When asked how much more funding was required, he stated: 'There will always be a strong case, not least given the circumstances that we're operating in, to spend more on defence, but people will understand that there has to be a balance that is struck, and I have to work very closely with colleagues in the Treasury. It's my job to secure the best deal for defence.'
He added that defence should be the UK's 'number one spending priority'. On defence resources, Mr Jarvis said: 'That is a process that is absolutely under way, but it is on the back of a commitment already to historic levels of defence funding. Yes, we want to do more, and the Dip will deliver that, and, yes, we want to go further, the other side of the Dip. That is well understood by Andy Burnham. It's well understood by the current Prime Minister. It's my job to deliver for defence and that's what I'm working hard to do.'
Progress on Defence Plan Ahead of NATO Summit
Mr Jarvis indicated that 'real progress' had been made on the defence investment plan in the last week, but he still needed to 'satisfy myself that I've got the right level of resource'. He said: 'I've been working very hard since I was appointed to satisfy myself that we've got the right resource and the right mix of capabilities. The Prime Minister has been clear that we will publish the defence investment plan before the NATO summit. That's what we're going to do. I have a responsibility to make sure I get it right and that is what I'm working to achieve.'
He paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging the work done, but stressed the current responsibility: 'I pay tribute to my predecessor, he did a great job for defence, but the responsibility is now mine to deliver that plan, and what I need to do is satisfy myself that I've got the right level of resource and the right mix of capabilities. That is a process across Government. We've made real progress with it over the last week or so. I'm determined to get that right and I'm determined to do it before the NATO summit.'
