'Vibes aren't enough': Burnham challenged over how to pay for UK defence

Chancellor Andy Burnham faced scrutiny over how he would fund a significant rise in UK defence spending during his first Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament, amid warnings that security threats are escalating. The new Prime Minister sought to adopt a more optimistic tone since taking office, but the intensity of government duties became apparent as he faced questions on higher defence spending, taxes, and welfare reform.

Defense Committee Chair Tan Dhesi cautioned that "vibes alone will not be enough" on defense and urged Burnham to pledge 3% of gross domestic product on the armed forces by 2030. Dhesi emphasized that the British public must recognize the nation faces a heightened threat level, particularly from Russia. Burnham affirmed that he had "made that commitment," suggesting it referred to his overall pledge for increased defence spending and support for Ukraine.

He defended his decision to appoint former Defence Secretary John Healey as Chancellor, crediting his commitment to defense. The discussion on UK defense expenditure was intensified by a report from the Resolution Foundation, which found that Labour would need to impose additional taxes on middle earners to achieve the government's 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035, costing an estimated £28 billion annually.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch repeatedly questioned Burnham about cutting welfare spending to free up funds for defense or raising taxes further, to which he refused to provide a budget commitment. Burnham also addressed migration, mentioning Anglo-French cooperation in preventing illegal migrant boats from crossing the Channel, which has reached a seven-year low.

He then highlighted his first major diplomatic engagement, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in London to discuss the impact of the Iran war on the Strait of Hormuz, migration, and Ukraine. Burnham was scheduled to join Macron, King Charles III, and Burnham at the British Museum to view the Bayeux Tapestry on display for the first time in Britain, showcasing the Battle of Hastings.