Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to rule out potential tax increases to fund defence spending during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Thursday, as the government prepares to publish its long-delayed defence investment plan. The plan, initially expected last autumn, could be released as soon as Friday, amid ongoing debate over its scale and financing.

The exchange unfolded between Sir Keir and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who pressed the Prime Minister on whether taxpayers should expect a rise in taxes to support the defence budget. Badenoch asserted that the government faces three choices to fund the military’s needs: spending cuts, increased borrowing, or higher taxes. She accused the Prime Minister of hesitating because of uncertainty over funding sources, suggesting that Chancellor Rachel Reeves intends to raise taxes to cover defence costs. “Will the Prime Minister rule out raising taxes?” Badenoch asked.

Sir Keir avoided a direct answer, instead criticising the previous Conservative government’s record, saying it had caused “damage to the armed forces” and left the economy in poor shape. He highlighted the government’s current leadership role on defence issues, referencing the UK’s involvement in a “coalition of the willing.” Badenoch responded by accusing the Prime Minister of being “too weak” to make necessary cuts to welfare spending and stand firm on national security, warning that his legacy could be “a bloated welfare state and a weaker armed forces.”

The Prime Minister countered by pointing out that Conservatives previously failed to reform welfare or maintain defence investment, noting that welfare spending rose by £88 billion overall during their tenure while defence spending fell.

The PMQs clash came amid reports of internal government disagreement over the defence investment plan’s funding. Sir Keir and Chancellor Reeves are reportedly advocating for a £13.5 billion package over the next four years, significantly below the £28 billion figure sought by defence officials. The impasse highlights the ongoing challenge the government faces in balancing fiscal priorities with defence commitments amid economic pressures.