By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Leader of British conservative party, Kemi Badenoch, has berated the United Kingdom government’s decision to cancel a planned increase in defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.
Badenoch describe the move as “indefensible” considering the rising global threats.
In a letter dated February 22, 2025, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to act decisively on national security, warning that “these decisions cannot be delayed.”
She argued that with Russia escalating its aggression and U.S. President Donald Trump insisting that NATO allies contribute more, Britain risks losing its leadership position in global security.
“Your decision to cancel that planned expenditure and reverse the commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent by 2030 is indefensible,” she wrote in the letter, which she also shared on X on Sunday.
She queried, “Why did you think, as it became apparent that Russia was trying to strengthen its hand in the conflict, that cancelling planned increases in defence expenditure up to 2030 was right?”
Badenoch highlighted the worsening security landscape in Europe, stressing that “the threat picture in Europe has worsened.”
She also pointed out the Prime Minister’s apparent contradiction in suggesting that British troops could be deployed in Ukraine while simultaneously refusing to boost military spending.
“And yet, at the same time as offering a major new deployment of British military forces on the frontline with Russia, you refused to accept the case for increasing defence expenditure now,” she stated.
The Opposition leader urged the government to restore the planned spending increase and commit to further defence investments before the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to meet President Trump.
“As a bare minimum, you should adopt the plan sitting on your desk – set out by your predecessor – to fund the increase to 2.5 per cent. And you should announce this before your imminent visit to see President Trump. But you will need to go further and faster.”
Badenoch proposed redirecting funds from other areas to bolster defence, suggesting that “some of the 0.5 per cent of GDP currently spent on Overseas Development should be repurposed – at least in the short term – to fund the more pressing defence and security challenges, because every pound of taxpayers’ money spent overseas must be directly furthering our safety and stability.”
She also criticised the government’s welfare policies, arguing that the Welfare Secretary’s current approach prioritises increased welfare spending over national security.
“The Welfare Secretary is now reportedly considering such policies, having previously rejected them. This is, of course, welcome, but there are reports she is seeking to spend any savings on further welfare, rather than critical national priorities such as defence,” the letter read.
The conservative leader also expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of the Chagos Islands, calling it an “indefensible surrender of British territory.” She warned against striking a rushed deal with Mauritius that would see Britain cede control of the islands.
“You should not be concluding a deal that would mean British taxpayers paying Mauritius billions of pounds to take our territory,” she wrote, demanding clarity on whether defence funds were being used for the negotiations.
While concluding her letter, Badenoch warned about the consequences of inaction.
“I will always back you when you do the right thing. But I will not be silent about the risks facing our country and our security. History has been unforgiving to politicians who, faced with growing threats, chose procrastination over action,” it concluded.
