National security can't come at expense of social security, Burnham says
Summary
Andy Burnham said that national security should not reduce social security spending. He plans to fund defense and reduce welfare costs by improving education and mental health support, aiming to meet NATO defense spending targets by 2035.Key Facts
- Andy Burnham said national security cannot come at the expense of social security.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned Burnham about reaching 3% GDP defense spending by 2030.
- The government plans to reach 3.5% GDP defense spending by 2035, with a 3% target in the spending review next spring.
- Burnham rejected cutting housing benefits by £4 billion to fund defense, warning it would increase homelessness.
- Burnham wants to reduce welfare costs by supporting education, youth employment, and mental health programs.
- Conservatives criticized Burnham for not cutting welfare to increase defense spending.
- John Healey was appointed because of his strong commitment to national defense.
- Welfare spending is forecast to rise to £408.6 billion by 2030/31.
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