Khaberni - The British Telegraph reported that Andy Burnham, candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party and the UK prime ministership, told his allies that he plans to increase defense spending beyond what outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer had committed to.
The newspaper said that Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, held meetings with Labour MPs in Parliament and told them that he would increase the funds allocated for defense investment by more than 13.5 billion pounds sterling (about 17.76 billion dollars), according to Starmer's plan.
Telegraph clarified that Burnham’s team discussed the defense budget with former Defense Minister John Healey, who resigned from his position earlier this month in June protesting Starmer's failure to allocate sufficient funds for defense, which he described as making the country "less safe".
Telegraph, quoting its sources, explained that Healey believes that Burnham's proposals regarding enhancing the defense budget would be sufficient for Britain to face Russian threats.
Conflict with Starmer
In this context, the Financial Times clarified that Starmer plans to move forward with presenting the defense investment plan for the next ten years before leaving his position, which causes a significant disagreement with Burnham, who is expected to succeed him as Prime Minister.
Financial Times mentioned that Starmer insists on passing the military funding plan, which has been delayed repeatedly and caused wide disagreements in his government, before the NATO summit that will be held in the Turkish capital Ankara on the 7th and 8th of July.
Financial Times, citing informed sources, reported that Burnham wants to review the defense investment plan himself, instead of approving a proposal drafted by Starmer, which could lead to a major political clash over the fate of this plan.
The Treasury Minister, Rachel Reeves, said in Parliament on Tuesday that she is "confident that the defense investment plan will be published before the NATO summit," adding that it will include "greater and more effective spending".
Reeves had approved an additional amount of 13.5 billion pounds sterling for defense spending (about 17.76 billion dollars), which Healey rejected and resigned over, as he demands about 3% of Gross Domestic Product to fund and develop the military.
Telegraph, quoting its sources, mentioned that Burnham plans to appoint a new Treasury Minister in his government team, and he will offer Reeves a less significant ministry than the Treasury, which holds significant importance in the British government.
According to Telegraph, Burnham's allies believe that Starmer is not achieving the approval of the defense investment budget before leaving his position given its significant importance, and he should leave the matter to the incoming Prime Minister without tying his hands with a pre-prepared plan.
