Andy Burnham, the Labour Party’s likely next prime minister, said he will take full responsibility to fund the United Kingdom’s defence investment plan despite a 4.7 billion‑pound shortfall. The plan, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, includes a 15 billion‑pound increase over four years, bringing total defence spending to nearly 300 billion pounds as the UK seeks to modernise its armed forces. Burnham made the remarks during an interview on LBC’s “Tonight with Andrew Marr” on Thursday, stating he was not involved in all discussions but considered the plan something the country must face seriously. He pledged to assume responsibility for funding the plan if he becomes prime minister, emphasizing the need to build national resilience. The defence budget increase is partly financed by sources that remain unspecified, raising questions about the sustainability of the commitment. Burnham said he would avoid cuts to benefit levels, arguing that such reductions could increase poverty and political backlash. He outlined a longer‑term approach that includes expanding council housing and supporting vocational education pathways. While pledging to adhere to the party’s manifesto, Burnham indicated that tax adjustments, such as higher rates on warehouses and major developments and reduced taxes on pubs, could be part of the financing strategy. Starmer’s defence plan has drawn criticism within the Labour Party over previous welfare reforms, but Burnham said he would generally support the existing commitments. The timeline for implementing the additional funding and the origin of a substantial share of the budget increase remain unresolved.