🇬🇧 Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham just stayed completely silent on a key issue - its utter madness | Politics | News
What happened
Andy Burnham spent less than 35 seconds discussing defence in a speech lasting over an hour. The Prime Minister did not provide any details on a plan to meet the NATO spending target of 3.5% by 2035. The lack of discussion on defence has been criticized by the Tories and Lib Dems. The Armed Forces chief has described the current situation as Britain's "most dangerous period" in 35 years.
Why it matters
The lack of discussion on defence has been viewed as significant given rising tensions and concerns about Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks. The absence of a clear plan to meet NATO's spending target has raised questions about Britain's readiness to meet its international obligations. This has been seen as a missed opportunity for the Prime Minister to address concerns about defence.
Key facts
- Britain is facing its "most dangerous period" in 35 years, according to the Armed Forces chief.
- The head of MI6 has warned that the world is "more dangerous and contested now" than it has been for decades.
- The Prime Minister spent less than 35 seconds discussing defence in a speech lasting over an hour.
- The NATO spending target of 3.5% by 2035 was mentioned, but no details on a plan to meet it were provided.
Topics
Publisher evidence used
Reporting attributed to express.co.uk. WorldLeadersNews links readers to the publisher and does not present a headline-only item as a full article analysis.
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