See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy MARK NICOL, DEFENCE EDITOR Published: 22:31 BST, 10 September 2026 | Updated: 22:31 BST, 10 September 2026
Wes Streeting has warned Andy Burnham after the Prime Minister claimed national security cannot come at the expense of social security.In a challenge to Downing Street, the Defence Secretary branded other areas of spending 'valueless' should Russia reduce Britain to 'rubble'.His remarks came 24 hours after Mr Burnham's claim at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday that shocked MPs from all parties.Mr Streeting insisted more money must be spent on the Armed Forces, whatever the cost, telling the Commons: 'Schools, hospitals, homes, those are important things.'But they're valueless if those things are reduced to rubble. That is the experience of the Ukrainians and that is the kind of threat we are operating amongst. That's why we must commit and continue to commit to increase defence spending.'Mr Burnham's support for social security over national security at PMQs caused a huge political row.Writing in Thursday's Daily Mail, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed the PM had 'said the quiet part out loud' and added: 'For our new PM, social security – welfare – comes above national security.'The Labour Party has become the Welfare Party. The first duty of government is defence of the country, not paying more benefits.' Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned the Prime Minister other areas of spending are 'valueless' should Russia reduce Britain to 'rubble' At PMQs, Andy Burnham said he was serious about national security, but it 'cannot come at the expense of social security' And addressing the House yesterday, Mr Streeting made clear his priorities.It was not the first time he has contradicted Mr Burnham on this issue. In June, he said: 'There is no social justice without national security.'Defence spending is emerging as a clear dividing line within the Labour Party and British politics. They key issues are when the UK should reach three per cent of GDP on defence and the longer-term Nato target of 3.5 per cent.The former defence secretary John Healey appealed for the Government to spend 3 per cent by 2030 when he resigned in June from that post.But when he was appointed Chancellor the following month, he shelved the commitment as part of his first Budget due to revealed next month.On current projections, UK defence spending is expected to remain at 2.7 per cent in 2030.Germany expects to reach 3.5 per cent by 2030, five years ahead of the target set by Nato for its member states. Poland is already spending 4.7 per cent.Mr Streeting was speaking as it emerged the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have been ordered to find £3billion in 'efficiencies' in this financial year.The cuts have already led to crucial military exercises being cancelled, aircraft being grounded and ships remaining at the dockside.The Army faces the biggest cut over the next six months as its running costs budget has been slashed by £1.2billion. The Navy and the RAF must shave off a combined £1.8billion.Mr Streeting insisted: 'Training continues. There have been some re-prioritisations to make sure we prioritise those activities that will provide most impact at this point.'Yes, we've got to make the case for more defence investment and spending, but what we shouldn't enable in the process is a distraction from making sure we live within our means.'Mr Streeting also admitted there was a shortfall of 'just shy of £5billion' in the Government's £298billion Defence Investment Plan from 2026 to 2030. Mr Burnham is under pressure to increase defence spending in the face of growing threats from Russia.
