Burnham on Defence Funding Responsibility
Andy Burnham has stated that he would take his responsibilities to fund the defence investment plan "extremely seriously" if he becomes prime minister.
The plan, published on Tuesday, outlined a 3bn increase in defence spending but is expected to leave the next prime minister with a 4.7bn funding gap to address.
Burnham told LBC that he had not seen all the details of the plan before its publication but emphasized there would be "no compromise on the security of the nation".
The Makerfield MP also dismissed criticisms of his economic approach, asserting he would not be "indisciplined" regarding public finances.
He has previously faced criticism for remarks suggesting the UK needed to move beyond being "in hock to the bond markets."
In his first media interview since announcing his bid to become prime minister, Burnham highlighted that finances in Greater Manchester had been "rock solid" during his tenure as mayor and referenced his prior experience working in the Treasury.
Tax and Welfare Policies
Labour's 2024 election manifesto includes a commitment not to increase taxes on "working people," covering National Insurance, income tax, and VAT.
When asked if he would uphold these commitments, Burnham responded:
"I stick by the manifesto and the promises that it made. So, let me be absolutely clear about that, but there is some room within that manifesto for movement on tax."
He suggested the possibility of raising business rates on warehouses and major developments to reduce taxes for pubs and certain high street businesses.
Regarding welfare, Burnham stated he would avoid "crude cuts to benefit levels that just put people who are struggling in even worse poverty."
He proposed reducing the benefits bill by reforming the education system to better support young people pursuing technical qualifications and providing work placements for 16-year-olds.
Burnham also expressed a desire to enhance mental health support for those in employment.
Leadership and Defence Funding Challenges
Burnham remains the sole candidate in the race to succeed Sir Keir Starmer and is anticipated to become prime minister on 20 July.
One of the major challenges he will face is addressing how to finance the UK's increasing defence expenditure.
On Wednesday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Sir Keir for "leaving this mess to his successor" and questioned whether Burnham had agreed to cover the shortfall.
When Andrew Marr asked on LBC if he was aware of the funding gap before the defence investment plan was published, Burnham replied:
"I wasn't in all of the discussions, but to be fair, the government had had an internal process ongoing. I regard it as something that the country has to face up to very seriously. We're in a changing world. The nature of the threat is changing. What I can say to you tonight is I will take my responsibilities fully to fund the defence investment plan, if I am in the position to do so, I will take those responsibilities extremely seriously."
Additional Interview Insights
In the interview, Burnham also revealed:
- He has not yet decided who would serve as his chancellor.
- It is too early to commit to a bank holiday if England wins the football World Cup.
- He hopes his No 10 North office, announced on Monday, will be located at a proposed government digital campus near Manchester Piccadilly Station.
- What are Andy Burnham's potential policies for No 10?
- Is Andy Burnham facing a 3bn defence 'black hole'?
- Who could be the UK's next chancellor?
