I will take responsibility to fund defence extremely seriously, says Burnham

Andy Burnham said he would take his responsibilities over funding the defense investment plan “extremely seriously” if he became prime minister.

The plan, published on Tuesday, provides a £15bn spending increase on defense but is expected to leave the next prime minister with a £4.7bn funding gap to plug.

Burnham told LBC she hadn’t seen all the details He emphasized that the plan was announced before publication, but that “the security of the nation will not be compromised.”

The Makerfield MP also rejected attacks on his economic stance, insisting he would not be “undisciplined” on public finances.

He has faced criticism in the past to discuss, external The UK needed to “move beyond remaining hostage to bond markets”.

In his first media interview after announcing his bid to become Prime Minister, Burnham said the financial situation in Greater Manchester had been “very solid” during his time as mayor and noted his previous experience at the Treasury.

Labour’s 2024 election manifesto included a pledge not to increase taxes on “employees”, including National Insurance, income tax and VAT.

Asked if he would stand by those commitments, he said: “I remain committed to the manifesto and the promises it made.

“So let me be absolutely clear about that, but there is some room for movement in this manifesto on tax.”

He pointed out the possibility of increasing business rates and major developments in warehouses to reduce tax on pubs and some high street businesses.

On welfare, Burnham said he would not “make drastic cuts to benefit levels that would push people further into further poverty”.

He said he would try to reduce the welfare bill by changing the education system to provide better support for young people with technical qualifications and job placements for 16-year-olds.

He also said he would like to see mental health support provided to employees.

Burnham remains the sole candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer and is expected to take over as prime minister on July 20.

One of the biggest issues on his agenda will be the question of how to finance Britain’s increasing defense spending.

On Wednesday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of “leaving this mess to his successor” and asked whether Burnham had agreed to fund the deficit.

Asked by LBC’s Andrew Marr whether he was aware of the funding gap before the defense investment plan was published, Burnham said: “I wasn’t involved in all the discussions but, to be fair, the government had an internal process going on.

“I see this as something the country needs to confront very seriously.

“We are in a changing world. The nature of the threat is changing.

“What I can tell you tonight is that I will fully fulfill my responsibilities in financing the defense investment plan, and if I am in a position to do so, I will take those responsibilities extremely seriously.”

Burnham also said in her interview: