STORY
Andy Burnham has promised greater public scrutiny of defence spending as he prepares to become Labour leader and Prime Minister. He said national security would be his first priority and argued that higher defence investment should also support British industry, jobs and apprenticeships.
Burnham said major defence and infrastructure projects should be subject to more detailed public progress reports, with greater transparency over delays and cost overruns. He also backed rebuilding Britain’s military capabilities while reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.
He reaffirmed support for NATO, the nuclear deterrent, the United States alliance and Ukraine. Burnham also called for closer defence co-operation with European countries and faster progress in the UK’s negotiations with the European Union.