Keir Starmer forced on back foot at PMQs over ‘weak’ defence plan
Summary
Keir Starmer defended his £298 billion defence investment plan in the UK Parliament despite criticism that it leaves a £4.7 billion funding gap for his expected successor, Andy Burnham. The plan increases defence spending slightly but falls short of NATO’s target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035, and some say it cuts other important projects to pay for it.Key Facts
- Starmer’s defence plan sets spending to rise from 2.6% of GDP in 2027 to 2.7% by 2030, aiming for 3% in the next parliament.
- NATO wants the UK to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035, a target not fully addressed by this plan.
- The plan costs £298 billion in total investment.
- Critics say the plan leaves a £4.7 billion funding shortfall that Burnham will face as the new prime minister.
- Funding for some transport infrastructure projects has been cut to pay for the defence plan.
- Starmer said the government increased defence spending by £15 billion outside regular budgets.
- Conservative opponents accuse Labour of failing to find enough money for defence while increasing welfare spending.
- Starmer denied that Burnham was informed of the £5 billion funding gap before the announcement.
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