Andy Burnham commits to find billions to fill UK’s defense black hole

Andy Burnham pledged to address a £4.7 billion defense funding shortfall in his first budget to fully fund the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) announced by outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham mentioned potential tax rises on businesses and reforms to the welfare system to raise funds while avoiding increases in income tax, national insurance, or VAT. He also highlighted internal debates over appointing Ed Miliband as finance minister due to union and market concerns.