Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition, has fiercely 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” in the face of escalating global threats.
In a letter dated February 22, 2025, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of neglecting to take urgent action on national security, warning that “these decisions cannot be delayed.”
She argued that with Russia intensifying its aggression and former U.S. President Donald Trump pushing NATO allies to contribute more, Britain risks losing its global security leadership.
“Your decision to cancel the planned increase and reverse the commitment to 2.5% defense spending by 2030 is indefensible,” she wrote, also sharing the letter on X on Sunday.
She questioned, “Why, as Russia escalates its actions in the conflict, did you think it was right to cancel defense spending increases up to 2030?”
Badenoch pointed out the worsening security situation in Europe, emphasizing that “the threat picture in Europe has worsened.” She also criticized the Prime Minister’s contradiction in proposing the deployment of British troops in Ukraine, while refusing to approve increased military spending.
“And yet, despite offering a significant new deployment of British forces on the frontlines with Russia, you have refused to accept the need for immediate defense spending increases,” she stated.
The Opposition leader urged the government to restore the planned spending increase and to commit to further defense investments before the Prime Minister’s upcoming meeting with President Trump.
“At the very least, you should adopt the plan sitting 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 reassigning funds from other areas to support defense, proposing that “some of the 0.5% of GDP currently spent on Overseas Development be repurposed – at least in the short term – to address more urgent defense and security needs, as every pound of taxpayers’ 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 further welfare spending instead of crucial national priorities like defense,” the letter stated.
Chagos Islands Controversy
Badenoch also 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 on 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 concluded.
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