Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday that national security "cannot come at the expense of social security," a declaration that has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative leaders who accuse his government of prioritizing welfare over defense.
In a statement published in the Daily Mail, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch asserted that Prime Minister Burnham had "said the quiet part out loud," adding, "For our new PM, social security – welfare – comes above national security. The Labour Party has become the Welfare Party. The first duty of government is defence of the country, not paying more benefits."
Badenoch recently outlined plans to increase defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030, a proposal that would include £8 billion in cuts to the welfare budget. During Prime Minister's Questions, Burnham declined to commit to this target, a stance that new Chancellor John Healey has previously warned is the minimum required for national safety.
Burnham defended his position, stating that while his government supports national security, it "cannot come at the expense of social security." He argued that strong national security "also depends on resilience in our communities" and that Labour would not be "forced to choose between the two."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
This divergence in approach creates a clear political division regarding the pace of defense spending increases and their funding. Burnham's comments also appear to contrast with remarks from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who stated in June that "there is no social justice without national security."
Concerns have also been raised about the growing welfare bill. Spending on sickness and disability benefits is projected to reach £109 billion by the end of the decade, an increase of over £30 billion from the previous year. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer abandoned plans to reduce the welfare budget by £5 billion last year after facing opposition from Labour MPs.
Burnham confirmed his opposition to "crude cuts" to benefits, suggesting that long-term reforms in housing and education could eventually reduce the welfare budget. However, a Treasury insider suggested that the welfare budget is the sole remaining area for significant revenue generation, as borrowing and taxation limits have been reached.
Mr Burnham spoke at the first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism on August 21.
Britain's defense spending as a percentage of GDP has declined in recent years, placing it 13th in NATO rankings. Under Labour's current plans, spending is expected to rise from 2.6 percent to 2.7 percent by the end of the decade. This is lower than projections from Germany, which aims for 3.5 percent by 2030, and Poland, already at 4.7 percent.
Burnham is facing pressure from across the political spectrum to increase defense spending. Tan Dhesi, Labour chairman of the Commons defense committee, accused the Prime Minister of "kicking the can down the road." In his resignation as Defence Secretary in June, John Healey urged ministers to reach the 3 percent target by 2030, arguing that Labour's current plans "fall well short of what is needed." However, neither Healey nor Burnham have committed to this deadline, with Burnham proposing a target of 3.5 percent by 2035.
The Conservative proposals for increasing defense spending include saving at least £4 billion annually through housing benefit reforms and reinstating the two-child benefit cap, projected to raise an additional £3.1 billion. Other proposed savings include ending VAT exemptions for Motability vehicles and diverting funds from renewable energy projects and civil research and development. Downing Street has maintained that Burnham is committed to reducing the welfare bill, but without a specific timeline.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch spoke at a press conference in June in London.