In the latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), the atmosphere was lively as Keir Starmer faced off against Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, with a focal point on defense spending. This session, part of POLITICO’s weekly overview of British political discourse, illuminated the key issues at hand.
Defense spending debates heat up
The central topic of the exchange was the proposed increase in defense spending. With Starmer set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, Badenoch pressed him on his financial strategies regarding military funding. In an urgent statement to the Commons, Starmer announced plans to elevate defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027. He indicated that the funding would be sourced from a reduction in international aid, dropping from 0.5 to 0.3 percent of gross national income, aiming to present a robust defense strategy for Ukraine to the U.S. administration.
Badenoch initiated the discussion with a tone of bipartisanship, wishing Starmer success on his trip, emphasizing a united stance for the national interest. Both the Conservative and Labour parties have consistently supported Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s invasion. However, Badenoch’s inquiry extended to how Starmer would facilitate Ukraine’s presence in any negotiations regarding the conflict.
Starmer’s defense and responses
Starmer firmly stated that any negotiations must include Ukraine, declaring, “there could be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine.” As he heads to Washington, there remains uncertainty about how effectively he can influence Trump’s perspective, particularly regarding potential negotiations with Russia.
“I’m pleased he accepted my advice,” Badenoch remarked, referencing a letter she sent over the weekend that urged Starmer to boost defense spending through cuts in aid.
However, Starmer dismissed her assertions outright, noting, “She didn’t feature in my thinking at all,” amid laughter from his supporters. He added that he was unaware of her proposal, further downplaying her contribution by calling her a “desperate search for relevance” in light of recent comments at a right-wing conference.
The initial tone of collaboration quickly shifted as Badenoch criticized Starmer for being patronizing instead of addressing her questions directly. She pointed out a discrepancy in the promised increase in defense spending, highlighting that a respected think tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, calculated it to be only a £6 billion increase rather than the £13.4 billion touted by the Prime Minister. The larger figure appeared contingent on maintaining a cash-frozen defense budget.
Starmer maintained that the additional funding would represent “the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War,” yet Badenoch contended he had not adequately responded to her challenges, accusing him of offering conflicting information.
In a twist during the questioning, Badenoch inquired whether any of the newly allocated funds would be directed toward resolving issues concerning the Chagos Islands, which the Tories have opposed handing over to Mauritius. Starmer remained noncommittal, reiterating that the increased funding was intended to meet significant security challenges.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now MP for Richmond and Northallerton, also contributed to the session by asking about prostate cancer awareness, leveraging his new role as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research. Starmer acknowledged his former rival’s efforts to raise awareness on the issue.
In a notable backbench exchange, Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre questioned Starmer about the government’s support for working parents regarding childcare. Starmer responded enthusiastically, listing the government initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for the next generation, which appeared coordinated and well-rehearsed.
The overall sentiment in the Commons remained serious, with parliament members hoping for a successful outcome from Starmer’s forthcoming discussions in Washington. As Badenoch probed the specifics of defense spending and its implications for the Chagos deal, Starmer effectively deflected her concerns, combining humor with a serious message on national security.
In a light-hearted assessment of the exchange, the ratings stood at Badenoch 6/10 and Starmer 7/10, reflecting a session that was both challenging and revealing on pressing national issues.