Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition, has strongly criticized the UK government’s decision to halt the planned increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, calling the move “indefensible” given the growing global security threats.
In a letter dated February 22, 2025, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to address national security concerns urgently, warning that “these decisions cannot be delayed.” She highlighted the increasing aggression from Russia and the pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump on NATO allies to boost defense contributions, stressing that Britain risks losing its position as a global security leader.
“Your decision to cancel the planned defense spending increase and reverse the commitment to 2.5% by 2030 is indefensible,” she wrote, sharing the letter on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Badenoch questioned, “Why, as Russia intensifies its actions in the conflict, did you think it was right to cancel defense spending increases up to 2030?”
She pointed to the deteriorating security situation in Europe, emphasizing, “The threat picture in Europe has worsened.” Additionally, she criticized the contradiction in the Prime Minister’s proposal to deploy British troops in Ukraine while rejecting increased military spending.
“Despite offering a significant new deployment of British forces on the frontlines with Russia, you have refused to acknowledge the need for immediate defense spending increases,” she said.
The Opposition leader urged the government to reinstate the planned defense spending increase and commit to further investments before the Prime Minister’s upcoming meeting with President Trump.
“At the very least, you should adopt the plan on your desk – proposed by your predecessor – to fund the increase to 2.5%. You should announce this before meeting President Trump. But you will need to go further and faster.”
Calls for Reallocating Budget
Badenoch suggested reallocating funds from other areas to support defense, proposing that “some of the 0.5% of GDP currently allocated to Overseas Development be redirected – at least in the short term – to address more urgent defense and security needs, as every pound of taxpayer money spent overseas must directly enhance our safety and stability.”
She also criticized the government’s welfare policies, claiming that the Welfare Secretary’s current approach prioritizes welfare spending over national security.
“The Welfare Secretary is reportedly considering policies she previously rejected. While this is a positive change, reports suggest she plans to use any savings for more welfare spending instead of critical national priorities like defense,” the letter stated.
Chagos Islands Controversy
Badenoch condemned the government’s handling of the Chagos Islands, calling it an “indefensible surrender of British territory.” She warned against rushing a deal with Mauritius that could lead to Britain ceding control of the islands.
“You should not be concluding a deal that would have British taxpayers paying Mauritius billions to take our territory,” she wrote, demanding transparency about whether defense funds are being used in the negotiations.
‘Procrastination Over Action’
The letter concluded with a stern warning about the consequences of inaction.
“I will always support you when you do the right thing. But I will not remain silent about the risks to our country and our security. History has not been kind to politicians who, when faced with growing threats, chose procrastination over action,” it ended.
