Kemi calls for biggest peacetime re-arming

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the UK to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by the end of the parliamentary term, advocating for the country's largest peacetime rearmament to address rising global threats. Her proposal highlights divisions within the government over defence funding, following the recent resignation of former defence secretary John Healey and ongoing debates about balancing national security with fiscal discipline.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has called for the United Kingdom to undertake its largest peacetime rearmament program, urging the government to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by the end of the current parliamentary term. Speaking at the Farnborough Airshow on Tuesday, Badenoch emphasized the need to bolster military capabilities in response to evolving global threats.

Badenoch criticized previous government approaches to public spending, warning against “unfunded spending giveaways” and tax cuts lacking clear financial plans. She proposed working collaboratively across party lines, including with Labour’s Andy Burnham, to reduce the benefits bill in a bid to free resources for defence investment.

The Conservative leader argued that Britain’s defence forces have been allowed to decline, leaving the nation relegated to “commentator on world events.” She stressed that deterrence requires tangible military assets such as operational naval vessels, aircraft, munitions stockpiles, and advanced technology, supported by the trust of allied countries that Britain stands ready to respond in times of conflict.

Badenoch’s comments come shortly after the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Healey, who served as defence secretary until recently, resigned from the position amid disagreement over funding for Labour’s Defence Investment Plan. His departure sparked debate over the scale and financing of the government’s defence priorities.

Defence minister Luke Pollard also addressed the Farnborough Airshow, defending the current government programme. Pollard highlighted a £298 billion investment pledged over the next four years under the Defence Investment Plan, describing it as a transformative initiative aimed at preparing the British armed forces for future warfare challenges.

The contrasting perspectives underline ongoing tensions within British political leadership over how best to balance fiscal responsibility with national security demands amid an increasingly uncertain global security environment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.