Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as unfunded and inadequate, ahead of Starmer's attendance at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Badenoch stated that Starmer is heading to the summit "empty-handed" with a plan that leaves a "£5billion black hole" for his successor.
Badenoch also questioned the readiness of potential Labour leaders Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage to address national security threats. She suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be concerned by Burnham, whom she accused of seeking a "summer holiday," or by Farage, who is reportedly dealing with personal financial scandals. "Burnham wants a summer holiday, Farage is in hiding, Starmer is retiring," Badenoch said at a rally in London.
Starmer's DIP, announced last week, reportedly includes a £15 billion increase in defence spending, but a significant portion, £4.7 billion, would need to be funded by his successor. Badenoch highlighted that the former defence secretary, John Healey, resigned over concerns that the plans would endanger British troops. "We are sending an outgoing Prime Minister to that NATO summit who is completely powerless," Badenoch stated, adding that the plan is "not fit for purpose with barely half the additional funding that our Armed Forces need."
Andy Burnham is widely expected to succeed Starmer as Prime Minister on July 20, following the Labour leadership contest. However, Badenoch criticized Burnham for his perceived vagueness on policy and for not engaging with media or parliamentary scrutiny. "He's not answering questions from the media, he's not answering questions from MPs, he wants a summer holiday and he wants all of us to go away until he's decided what he's going to do," she said. Badenoch urged Burnham to appear in Parliament before the recess to answer questions.
The ongoing NATO summit in Ankara may also see Starmer face criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his unfunded defence spending proposals and the failure to commit to the NATO target of spending 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035.
Badenoch also targeted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, citing reports of financial support from a convicted fraudster. "Reform is completely distracted by their constant scandals and personal dramas," she commented.
Badenoch emphasized the need for clear leadership, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events, such as a Russian warplane dropping sonar devices near British ships and an incident involving a warning shot fired at a yacht. "Russia is watching," she stated, implying that a lack of decisive action or clear policy from potential leaders could be perceived as weakness.