Burnham Wants Britain to Rebuild Its Defense Industry

Andy Burnham, who is expected to succeed Keir Starmer as UK prime minister, has pledged to strengthen both the armed forces and the defense industry. He argues that a more dangerous world requires greater investment in "hard power."

In an article for The Times, Burnham wrote that higher defense spending should also support the reindustrialization of regions that have long faced economic challenges. He argued that Britain should reduce its reliance on military equipment purchased abroad.

He pointed to the conflict between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and last year's cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, which he said caused nearly £2bn ($2.7bn) in economic damage.

The expected future Labour leader also called for greater transparency in defense spending and less dependence on foreign suppliers, arguing that both are essential to the UK's economic and national security.

Burnham also wants to deepen defense cooperation with France and Germany and accelerate negotiations with the European Union on issues including illegal migration.

Jonathan Powell is expected to remain national security adviser.

(Reuters, bak)