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Burnham Pledges To Fill UK Defense Funding Gap. Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham has pledged to find billions of pounds to fund the UK’s Defence Investment Plan. Burnham said he would take responsibility for closing the spending gap left by outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The plan commits an extra £15 billion to Britain’s armed forces, including £5 billion for drones and other autonomous systems. However, £4.7 billion still needs to be found in the autumn budget, with another £10.3 billion expected from cuts and asset sales. Burnham said there would be “no compromise” on national security if he becomes prime minister later this month. He suggested higher business rates on large warehouses could help fund cuts for pubs and high street businesses. Burnham also said he would not raise income tax, national insurance or VAT, in line with Labour’s manifesto pledge. He confirmed plans for a “No. 10 North” office in Manchester to shift more government power away from London.
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