Falklands row shows urgent need to commit to 3% target, says Labour defence committee chair

Exclusive: Tan Dhesi says Argentinian threats make it more crucial than ever that PM increase defence spending

Javier Milei’s threats to the Falkland Islands make it even more important that Andy Burnham increase defence spending immediately, according to the Labour chair of the defence committee.

Tan Dhesi said the comments by the Argentinian president this week show why the government should raise military spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. But he said Burnham’s plans remain mired in confusion after the prime minister appeared to reassure him that the 2030 target would be hit, only for Downing Street to later retreat.