Labour at war over defence cash increase as Streeting blasts senior backbencher over 'unfair' criticism of government inaction

Published: 12:10 EDT, 29 October 2026 | Updated: 12:10 EDT, 29 October 2026 Labour was embroiled in an internecine row over defence spending today after minister Wes Streeting opened fire on a senior backbencher who criticised the Budget. The Defence Secretary accused Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, of being 'unfair' about John Healey's financial plans for the military.Mr Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, last night said that key defence decisions about how to improve the UK's military had been 'lamentably delayed' until a new spending review next year.Amid questions over when Mr Healey will set out plans for defence spending to hit 3 per cent of GDP the committee chairman warned 'we risk leaving ourselves seriously vulnerable' in the event of a major conflict.Asked to respond to the criticism in the House of Commons today, Mr Streeting said it was 'completely unfounded'.'I don't care if he's the chair of the Defence Select Committee, and I'd say it directly to the chair of the committee, and I'm sure I'll get the chance to,' he went on. The Defence Secretary accused Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, of being 'unfair' about John Healey's financial plans Asked to respond to the criticism in the House of Commons today Mr Streeting said it was 'completely unfounded''It would be fair criticism if this Government had not already made decisions that is leading to the fastest increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.'Not in future years, already, on the basis of our first two years.'And – the chair of the select committee is a good friend – and I'm sure just as I can take his criticism on the chin, he will take mine.'I will gladly accept criticism where I think it's fair, but I will robustly reject it where I think it is wrong.'On Wednesday, Mr Dhesi said he welcomed the Chancellor's funding for the Defence Investment Plan, but added: 'We had hoped to see the Chancellor set out a precise pathway to spending 3 per cent – and eventually 3.5 per cent – of GDP on defence.'Instead, some of the key decisions on defence spending have lamentably been delayed until next year's spending review.'There is a cost to inaction.'Investment in our nation's defence and security cannot be kicked into the long grass.'Our adversaries are not bound by fiscal years and spending cycles.'We need to urgently rebuild our capabilities now, or we risk leaving ourselves seriously vulnerable in the event of a major conflict.'It will take more than promises for the Government to transform its ambitions into reality.'The UK public is unwavering in its support of Ukraine, and I and the committee welcome today's announcement of continuing support for Ukraine.'Mr Streeting was criticised for his attack by Tory shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge. 'It is wholly inappropriate for any Defence Secretary to talk about the Chairman of the Defence Select Committee in this way – totally disrespectful,' he said.'Just because Tan Dhesi had the temerity to question where the money is going to come from to get to 3 per cent - given John Healey still has no plan, despite resigning over that very matter – it’s no excuse for Wes Streeting to vent his frustration in this way.'