Starmer Vows to Fight Any Leadership Challenge as Defence Row Deepens Over Budget Cuts
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 13
Starmer Vows to Fight Any Leadership Challenge as Defence Row Deepens Over Budget Cuts
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 13
Summary
Starmer said he would not resign and would stand in any leadership contest, using a lengthy interview to project defiance as pressure builds over defence spending.
Every cabinet minister and department contributed cuts to long-term capital budgets to free money for defence, he said, rebutting claims that national security is at risk without much higher spending.
That funding approach is under attack from Conservatives, Reform UK and Labour figures including Lord Robertson, who argue the fast-rising welfare bill should be cut instead.
Andy Burnham said he is "not squeamish" about welfare cuts, while Wes Streeting called the defence row and the defence secretary's resignation signs of government "indecision".
Those interventions underline a shadow Labour leadership contest already taking shape, with Starmer trying to raise the political cost of any move against him.