Government officials to lobby Andy Burnham to invest more than £13.5bn defence spend (opens original article in a new tab)

Senior UK officials plan to urge Andy Burnham to boost defence spending beyond £13.5bn, including reviving war bonds, as military leaders highlight concerns about UK's military capabilities.

• Senior No 10 aides plan to lobby Andy Burnham to increase defence spending beyond £13.5bn
• Defence officials met with Burnham's team to discuss UK's depleted military capabilities
• No 10 aims to revive 'war bonds' to fund higher defence spending despite Treasury opposition
• Military leaders urge increased funding to match capabilities with Russia and other adversaries
• Burnham's team reserves right to revisit Defence Investment Plan if unresolved issues remain