Andy Burnham & Dan Jarvis

Andy Burnham: As the prospective prime minister, Andy Burnham is inheriting a A 4.7 billion funding gap in the defence budget, which he will need to address in his first budget, potentially through higher taxes, more borrowing, or spending cuts.

Dan Jarvis: As the current Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis secured a A 15 billion uplift in defence spending through the Defence Investment Plan, but left a A 4.7 billion funding gap for the next prime minister.

Andy Burnham: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is a potential challenger to Keir Starmer's leadership and has expressed interest in revisiting the Defence Investment Plan, favoring British-based defense companies in future military contracts.

Dan Jarvis: Dan Jarvis was appointed as the new Defence Secretary following John Healey's resignation. He is now tasked with defending the revised Defence Investment Plan and refocusing it on modern warfare technologies like drones.

Andy Burnham: Andy Burnham, mentioned as a likely next prime minister, is noted for understanding the importance of defending the nation and ensuring necessary resources for safety.

Dan Jarvis: Dan Jarvis, the UK Defence Secretary, visited Iceland to oversee NATO air defence operations and discuss increased defence spending, highlighting the UK's commitment to NATO and its role in deterring Russian threats.