Kemi Badenoch right to question the Government on defence spending

The deadly war between Ukraine and Russia is a reminder of the potent threat that Britain faces when it comes to defence. Over the past few months there have been several incidents that have questioned the country’s ability to defend itself.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is right to call for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey to provide “answers to serious questions” on defence spending.

There is nowhere for either to hide given that defence spending was the final nail in the coffin for Sir Keir Starmer’s government with Healey resigning as defence secretary earlier this year, telling the former PM that he was “unable” to and the Treasury “unwilling” to provide Britain with the resources it needs to meet the target of increasing defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030.

Burnham has made some positive noises about linking his Government’s reindustrialisation drive with defence. While there is an obvious economic opportunity from increasing defence spending, the Government needs to show it is going to find the money to deliver the necessary funding.

Reform UK says it would aim to cut about £50bn from the benefits bill if it comes into government. Welfare costs have been spiralling out of control in recent years and if the Government wants to start delivering on other commitments such as defence spending then it needs to address this.

The sooner Burnham’s Government starts to tackle the difficult questions the better it will be for the country and indeed Labour.

The issue of defence spending is not going to just disappear.