Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has attacked Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government over defence spending, accusing it of insufficient commitment in the face of Russian aggression towards Ukraine's allies. The row follows Mr Starmer's statement that national security "cannot come at the expense of social security", which Badenoch claimed sends a dangerous signal to Moscow about Britain's resolve. The government has committed to spending 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035 in line with NATO pledges, yet has only budgeted 2.7 per cent by 2027/28, with no clear plan for further increases.

Russia has escalated hybrid threats, including drone strikes targeting NATO countries supporting Ukraine; NATO fighter pilots shot down a Russian drone over Lithuania this week, whilst France and Poland have announced defensive measures. Military figures including Admiral Lord West and General Lord Dannatt have warned that Britain's armed forces are in poor condition and that the government is "playing fast and loose with the nation's security". Badenoch has proposed funding defence increases to 3 per cent by 2030 through welfare cuts, specifically capping housing benefit by £4 billion, whilst the government insists it can increase military spending without "crude cuts" to benefits.