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Andy Burnham has affirmed that, if he becomes prime minister, he would take his duty to fund the recently announced defence investment plan very seriously. The plan, unveiled on Tuesday, outlines a £15 billion increase in defence spending but also leaves a £4.7 billion funding gap that the next prime minister will need to address.
Speaking to LBC, Burnham admitted he had not seen all the specifics before the plan’s publication but stressed that there would be “no compromise on the security of the nation.” The Makerfield MP also pushed back against critiques of his economic policies, emphasizing that he would maintain discipline over public finances.
Burnham has previously faced criticism for his comments about the UK needing to move past its dependence on bond markets. During his first media interview since declaring his candidacy for prime minister, he pointed to his record as mayor of Greater Manchester, describing the region’s finances as “rock solid,” and highlighted his Treasury background as relevant experience. He reaffirmed Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledge not to increase taxes on working people, including National Insurance, income tax, and VAT. However, he acknowledged there could be some flexibility within the manifesto regarding tax policy. For instance, he suggested raising business rates on warehouses and large developments to reduce taxes for pubs and some high street shops.
On welfare, Burnham insisted he would avoid “crude cuts to benefit levels that just put people who are struggling in even worse poverty.” Instead, he proposed reducing welfare spending by reforming the education system to better support technical qualifications and providing work placements for 16-year-olds. He also expressed a desire to expand mental health support for those in employment. Burnham remains the sole candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer and is expected to assume the role of prime minister on 20 July. One of his primary challenges will be resolving how to fund the country’s increasing defence expenditure. When questioned about whether he knew of the £4.7 billion funding shortfall before the defence plan’s release, Burnham conceded he was not involved in all discussions but recognized it as a serious issue the nation must confront. “The nature of the threat is changing,” he said. “If I am in the position to do so, I will take those responsibilities extremely seriously.”
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