# Badenoch attacks Burnham over defence spending

> Conservative leader accuses PM of avoiding hard choices on welfare cuts needed to fund military as security chiefs warn of Britain's weakness.
- Title: Badenoch attacks Burnham over defence spending · the Guardian
- Summary: Conservative leader accuses PM of avoiding hard choices on welfare cuts needed to fund military as security chiefs warn of Britain's weakness. Kemi Badenoch…
- Keywords: kemi badenoch, andy burnham, defence spending, welfare, russia, uk military, nato, john healey, news, world, Badenoch, attacks
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/20/kemi-badenoch-accuses-andy-burnham-fiddling-europe-risks-burning
- Published: 2026-09-19T23:09:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kemi badenoch, andy burnham, defence spending, welfare, russia, uk military, nato, john healey, news, world
## Badenoch attacks Burnham's defence record
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accuses PM Andy Burnham of avoiding difficult decisions on defence spending while Europe faces Russian threats.
## The welfare versus warfare debate
Badenoch demands Burnham cut welfare to fund defence increases. Burnham said in September that national security cannot come at the expense of social security.

> national security could not come at the expense of social security
## Badenoch's blunt accusation
Badenoch told the Telegraph: "Our government is fiddling while Europe is at risk of burning." She said Burnham's stance sends a dangerous message heard in Moscow.

> Our government is fiddling while Europe is at risk of burning
## Military chiefs back Badenoch's warning
Admiral Lord West says Britain's military is in a parlous state. Lord Dannatt, former chief of general staff, accuses both Burnham and Chancellor John Healey of playing fast and loose with security.

> My bottom line is that Andy Burnham, and regretfully I would now add John Healey, are playing fast and loose with the nation's security
## UK's defence commitment and pressure
Britain has promised to commit three point five percent of national income to defence by twenty thirty-five under NATO pledge. Pressure grows on Healey to explain funding before next month's budget.
## Tories propose housing benefit cap
Conservatives propose capping housing benefit to raise four billion pounds for defence spending. The party suggests some people would have to move somewhere cheaper.
## Key takeaway

Kemi Badenoch demands Andy Burnham cut welfare to increase defence spending, warning the PM is ignoring Russian threats while military leaders say Britain is unprepared.