UK’s likely next PM Andy Burnham faces defence funding gap
Summary
Andy Burnham is likely to become the next UK prime minister but will face a £4.7 billion ($6.2 billion) shortfall in funding for a new defence plan announced by current Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The plan aims to strengthen the UK’s military amid security concerns but leaves a significant part of the budget unfunded.Key Facts
- The UK announced a £300 billion defence investment plan to make armed forces ready for potential threats.
- Nearly one-third of the budget needed for this plan, about £4.7 billion, has not yet been secured.
- Andy Burnham was informed about the funding gap only on the day the plan was published.
- Defence Minister Luke Pollard said it’s common for governments to announce spending before finalizing the budget details.
- Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis confirmed ongoing discussions with Burnham’s team about the plan.
- Critics say the plan lacks a clear timeline to reach NATO’s goal of 3.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2035.
- Starmer said the extra money will mainly come from shifting funds from other parts of the government.
- Burnham is expected to take office as prime minister later in July.
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