Burnham criticised over defence policy amid heightened Russia threat
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced criticism during Prime Minister’s Questions over his government’s defence policy amid heightened threats from Russia.
- Commons Defence Select Committee chair Tan Singh Dhesi warned that financial investment rather than “vibes” is required to counter Russian aggression.
- The warnings follow Vladimir Putin issuing a veiled threat against British military targets over the UK’s decision to share missile blueprints with Ukraine.
- Confusion surrounded the government’s timeline for increasing defence spending, with Downing Street clarifying that a 3 per cent GDP target by 2030 is not a firm commitment.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged Mr Burnham to fund defence by cutting welfare spending, while shadow ministers claimed the Prime Minister appeared weak on defence.
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