Union leaders clash over UK defence spending priorities

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Union leaders at the Trade Union Congress in Brighton debated defence spending, with Unite’s Sharon Graham advocating for raising the budget to 3% of national income by 2030 to support British industry, while UCU’s Jo Grady pushed for cutting military expenditure in favor of funding public services and wages. This division highlights the Labour movement’s ongoing struggle to reconcile national security goals with social investment priorities as it shapes policy ahead of upcoming elections.

Union leaders in the United Kingdom expressed sharply contrasting views on defence spending priorities during discussions at the Trade Union Congress in Brighton on Wednesday.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called for the Labour Party to commit to increasing defence expenditure to 3 percent of national income by 2030. Graham argued that a robust defence industry is essential for what she described as a “proper plan for the reindustrialisation of Britain,” emphasizing the sector’s role in preserving crucial jobs within the country.

Graham’s appeal comes amid ongoing pressure on Labour figures, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to clarify their stance on defence budgets. Burnham, who hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, has yet to specify a timeline for raising the defence budget. Both men wore Alzheimer’s awareness pins to commemorate Burnham’s late father during the event.

However, division within the broader Labour-aligned union movement was highlighted by Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU). Speaking at the same conference, Grady urged members to support a “Wages Not Weapons” motion, which advocates for redirecting funds away from defence and towards public services and workers’ wages. The motion was passed by delegates.

Grady criticized the priority given to large defence contracts, such as those awarded to BAE Systems, stating that such spending does not improve the safety or wellbeing of communities. She argued that increased military expenditure does not address pressing social issues, including homelessness, education, child poverty, or the National Health Service.

In response to Grady’s position, Graham characterized the “Wages Not Weapons” approach as a false dichotomy, suggesting it unfairly pits workers against each other. In an interview, she contended that economic growth and social investment could be pursued simultaneously.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting weighed in on the debate via social media, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing deterrence capabilities to prevent future conflicts. Streeting linked this objective with the broader goal of economic regeneration, noting that increased defence spending supports domestic industry, creates jobs, and offers apprenticeships and skills development opportunities across the UK.

The contrasting perspectives underscore the ongoing tensions within the Labour movement and affiliated unions regarding the balance between national security priorities and social spending as the party charts its policy course ahead of future elections.

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.