Badenoch Challenges Starmer at First 2026 PMQs Over Defence and NATO
In the first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session of 2026 on 7 January, **Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on defence spending, NATO commitments and military plans — highlighting ongoing debates about the UK’s security policy. GB News+1
🇬🇧 What Badenoch Asked
Badenoch criticised Starmer for talking about boosting defence spending but not giving a clear timetable for reaching key targets, including the goal of eventually spending 3% of the UK’s economic output on defence — a figure linked to NATO commitments. The Jewish Chronicle
She also challenged the Prime Minister over his handling of foreign policy, including deployment of British troops in Ukraine and whether he should have made a formal Commons statement about it, arguing MPs should have been told sooner. GB News
Starmer’s Response
Starmer defended the government’s record, saying the UK has already made commitments to increase defence spending and works closely with NATO partners. He also stressed that any future troop deployments would be subject to a vote in Parliament before they happen. The Guardian
Although he did not give an exact year for when the UK would reach the 3% defence‑spending target, officials have set interim goals — including increasing defence spending to about 2.5% of GDP by 2027. GOV.UK
Why It Matters
The exchange was one of the main highlights of the first PMQs of 2026 and reflects wider disagreement between the government and opposition over the pace and priorities of UK defence policy. Some voters see strong defence as vital given global instability, so questions about spending timelines can resonate widely. House of Commons Library
It also showed that foreign policy and defence are key battlegrounds in UK politics this year, as parties try to reassure the public about national security while balancing other issues like the cost of living and public services. The Times