Burnham is set to delay defence spending roadmap for up to a year despite mounting Russia threat

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

Andy Burnham is considering pushing back his government's defence spending review until autumn 2027, a full year later than the spring timeline widely expected, leaving Britain without a clear plan to hit NATO targets amid growing warnings that Russia could strike an alliance member by the end of the decade. The delay would push back any firm commitment on how and when the UK will reach 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending, and then 3.5 per cent by 2035. Treasury sources denied any delay had been confirmed, insisting no official date had been set for the spending review.

Kemi Badenoch, speaking at the Tory conference in Birmingham, said Washington now believes Britain is 'not serious' about defence.

Burnham faced a backlash last week after failing to mention defence at all in his Labour conference speech.

The Conservatives are expected to unveil a £10bn 'Britannia Shield' missile defence system today, directly contrasting with Labour's delay.