Badenoch Accuses Starmer of Delaying Defence Spending Decisions

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of delaying crucial decisions on defence spending amid disagreements within the government over how additional military funding should be financed.

During Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, Badenoch claimed Starmer was "dithering" because he had not identified a clear source of funding for a planned increase in defence investment. She challenged him to rule out future tax rises and argued that Labour was reluctant to reduce welfare spending to free up money for defence.

The dispute comes as the government prepares to publish a long-awaited defence investment plan, which will outline spending on military equipment and infrastructure over the next decade. The plan has been repeatedly delayed following reports that the Ministry of Defence requested an additional £28 billion over four years to meet its objectives.

According to recent reports, Downing Street is considering a smaller increase of around £13.5 billion after negotiations with the department. However, questions remain over how the extra funding will be paid for.

Badenoch told MPs that the government faced only three options: cutting spending elsewhere, increasing borrowing, or raising taxes. She suggested Labour ministers were divided over which approach to take and accused the prime minister of lacking the political strength to make difficult decisions.

In response, Starmer defended his government's record and criticised the Conservatives' management of the armed forces during their 14 years in power. He pointed to shortcomings in military recruitment and capability, arguing that previous governments had failed to invest adequately in defence.

The prime minister confirmed that officials were still finalising details of the defence investment plan and said it would be published before next month's NATO summit.

Meanwhile, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned the government against releasing the plan while Parliament is not sitting, saying MPs should have the opportunity to question ministers immediately on such an important matter.

Defence Secretary John Healey later indicated that the government would respect Parliament's role when announcing the plan, suggesting it would not be published during the parliamentary recess.

The debate highlights growing pressure on the government to increase defence spending in response to international security challenges while balancing wider public spending commitments and fiscal constraints.