Susanna Reid has warned that Keir Starmer risks upsetting voters by cutting benefits while increasing military spending.
The prime minister confirmed that defence spending will rise from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027. The increase will be funded partly by reducing the amount spent on international aid.
Meanwhile, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall is set to announce welfare cuts of up to £6 billion on Tuesday.
‘At what price?’ – Reid questions the strategy
Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Good Morning Britain presenter suggested that this could backfire with voters.
“There’s no doubt Starmer has built a reputation as someone who can handle himself on the international stage,” Reid said.
“But if you ask people on the doorstep, of course they want to back Ukraine — but at what price?”
She added: “If it looks like he’s using cuts to welfare to pay for war, I’m not sure that’s going to be popular at all.”
Streeting defends Labour’s position
Earlier in the programme, Laura Kuenssberg put the pressure on health secretary Wes Streeting.
“As a Labour politician, did you get into politics to take money from some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society?” she asked.
Streeting denied that was the case.
“We don’t want to take money from the poorest in society,” he said. “We want to support the most vulnerable and make sure they have dignity, independence and a good quality of life.”
Defence vs welfare – a risky balancing act
The government’s plan to increase military funding while cutting benefits could become a political headache for Starmer.
Voters may support helping Ukraine — but if they feel it comes at the expense of the poorest, Starmer could face a tough political battle.
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