Burnham calls for ‘more open’ public debate about defence spending – UK politics live

According to The Guardian, Andy Burnham will become Labour leader next week, set to be elected unopposed. As he prepares to take over, Burnham is laying out his defence and foreign policy priorities, which largely align with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's. He's pledged to encourage more open debate among Labour MPs, vowing not to use party discipline to silence dissent. On defence spending, Burnham wants greater public scrutiny and transparency, arguing that increased military investment should drive economic growth and create jobs in communities struggling with economic decline. He will keep Jonathan Powell as national security adviser and plans to strengthen Britain's relationship with European allies through closer defence co-operation, while maintaining the U.S. relationship as critical to British security. Burnham has also stressed unwavering support for Ukraine and wants to deepen ties with the European Union on issues including illegal migration and protection against AI-driven disinformation.

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