Full Breakdown
Burnham Faces Tough Questions on Funding Defence Amid Welfare Cost Surge
9/9/2026, 9:06:20 PM
Prime Minister’s Questions: Defence Funding Under Scrutiny
During a Wednesday session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch repeatedly pressed Prime Minister Andy Burnham on how his government would finance the target of raising defence spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030 and to 3.5 percent by 2035. Burnham avoided a direct answer on the 2030 milestone, reiterating a longer-term commitment to the 2035 NATO target and indicating that details would be set out at the upcoming spending review.
Background: Targets and Fiscal Pressures
The government’s defence goal of 3 percent of GDP by 2030 follows a pledge made by the previous administration, while the 3.5 percent by 2035 figure aligns with NATO’s benchmark. Simultaneously, the Office for Budget Responsibility projects the welfare bill to climb from £333 billion to £407 billion, intensifying the debate over which spending priorities can be adjusted.
Data & Statistics
- Defence spending target: 3 percent of GDP by 2030; 3.5 percent by 2035 (NATO).
- Welfare bill projection: increase from £333 billion to £407 billion (OBR).
- Proposed housing-benefit cut: around £4 billion, which Burnham warned could raise homelessness and rough-sleeping.
Official Statements & Responses
He pointed to council-house building programmes and a forthcoming response to the review of young people not in education, employment or training as longer-term ways to lower welfare costs. Burnham also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to retain its military base on Diego Garcia and to uphold the Falkland Islanders’ British status.
Criticism & Opposition
Badenoch labelled Burnham’s explanations “unbelievable,” insisting that defence must be funded now rather than delayed. She cited immediate security threats, including Russian activity in the North Sea and Argentina’s stance on the Falkland Islands, to argue that a decade-long wait is unacceptable. Badenoch also questioned whether the Chancellor’s earlier resignation as defence secretary signalled a lack of commitment to the 3 percent goal.
*The session opened with Burnham paying tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary and offering condolences for the recent death of PC Matthew Blades. He later suggested that further support for the hospitality sector could be considered at the Budget on 28 October, without confirming specific measures.*
