defence budget, USA News (London): John Healey has come under fire over his shameful decision to slash £2billion from the Ministry of Defence’s budget amid growing threats facing Britain. After delivering his first Budget, it was revealed the Chancellor will hand the Ministry of Defence (MoD) £72.8billion in 2027/28 and £75.5billion in 2028/29. His predecessor, Rachel Reeves, set the MoD’s budget as £73.8billion in 2027/28 and £76.5billion in 2028/29 in Labour’s defence investment plan.
Mr Healey insisted the Government will aim to spend three per cent of economic output on defence by 2030, but said a plan to meet the target will not be put forward until next year’s spending review. He told the House of Commons that this year’s defence budget is £14billion higher than it was in the Conservatives’ last year of government, while confirming details for meeting NATO commitments will follow at the next spending review.
Political Backlash and Opposition Reaction
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch slammed the Chancellor’s proposals as a plan to have a plan, as her party branded changes to the MoD budget a £2billion cut. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith previously urged Mr Healey to stop dithering and establish a fully funded plan to boost defence spending to three percent of GDP or resign.
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman James MacCleary described the move as shameful and warned it will leave our troops worse off and undermine our security. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the broader Budget measures, pointing to support for households and business rates relief.
