politics
Andy Burnham proposes shifting UK defence spending to British firms
Andy Burnham said he would direct billions in extra defence funds to domestic companies and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. He also stated he would maintain cooperation with European partners on security matters.
Jul 9, 2:56 AM·1m read2 sources
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Andy Burnham said he would allocate billions of pounds in additional defence spending to British companies as part of an effort to rebuild the UK's military capabilities. The Makerfield MP described the shift as necessary to meet the UK's NATO commitment of spending 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035.
He stated that the extra funds would support domestic jobs and industrial regeneration. Burnham said reducing dependence on overseas suppliers was critical for both economic and national security.
Burnham said he would seek stronger security ties with European countries even while moving procurement away from foreign firms. He added that he would pursue faster negotiations with the EU on issues including illegal migration and economic growth.
He stated that the UK would continue to support international law and institutions such as the UN. At the meeting, US President Donald Trump announced renewed US strikes on Iran and noted that the UK had delayed access to the Diego Garcia base.
