Prime Minister Andy Burnham Faces Tough Questions Over UK Defence Funding at First PMQs

Andy Burnham faced intense scrutiny over his plans to fund a major increase in UK defence spending during his first Prime Minister’s Questions in parliament, amid mounting warnings regarding global security threats. Since entering No 10 Downing Street, Britain's new Prime Minister has attempted to project a more upbeat tone than his predecessor Keir Starmer. However, it quickly became apparent at the dispatch box that the heavy pressures of government are already mounting for Mr Burnham concerning higher defence spending, taxation, and welfare reform.

He was cautioned that “vibes alone will not be enough” on defence matters. Defence committee chairman Tan Dhesi urged him to commit to dedicating 3 per cent of gross domestic product to the armed forces by the year 2030. “The British people should be under no illusion that the nation faces a significantly increased threat level, especially from Russia,” Mr Dhesi stated. He pressed Mr Burnham on whether he would urgently commit to this spending increase rather than delaying action.

In response, the Prime Minister stated he had “made that commitment,” appearing to reference his broader pledges on increased defence spending and ongoing support for Ukraine. He also defended his appointment of former defence secretary John Healey as Chancellor, attributing it directly to his dedication to national defence. Furthermore, Mr Burnham highlighted Germany’s recent conclusion that Russia was behind last month’s attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, an incident Berlin classified as part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations across Europe. Meanwhile, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen pledged to increase pressure on Moscow through new sanctions, citing rising recklessness.

The debate over UK defence expenditure has been further intensified by a new report from the Resolution Foundation, indicating that Labour cannot substantially raise defence spending without asking middle earners to contribute more in income tax. The report estimated that meeting the government’s target of 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035 would require an additional £28 billion ($37.7 billion) annually. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch repeatedly questioned Mr Burnham on whether he intended to cut welfare spending to finance defence or raise taxes further. He declined to make a direct commitment, stating, “I’m not going to write the budget here.”

On the topic of migration, Mr Burnham discussed successful Anglo-French co-operation in preventing small boats carrying migrants across the Channel illegally, bringing numbers down to a seven-year low. He also addressed his first major diplomatic engagement as Prime Minister with Emmanuel Macron in London. The French President visited for discussions regarding the impact of the Iran war on the Strait of Hormuz, alongside migration and Ukraine, with plans to join Mr Burnham and King Charles III to view the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum.