Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch will pledge on Monday, May 11, 2026, to cut welfare spending to fund a £50 billion boost to defence, according to her planned alternative King's Speech. The speech will outline 16 bills covering welfare, immigration, and other policies.
Badenoch's proposal comes as the UK faces pressure to increase defence spending amid global security concerns. The exact welfare cuts have not been specified, but the plan aims to redirect funds to military capabilities.
The alternative King's Speech is a traditional opposition event, but this year it carries particular weight as Badenoch seeks to position the Conservatives ahead of the next general election. No independent costings or impact assessments have been released yet.
