Labour Party Members Favor Higher Defense and Lower Welfare Spending

A poll of 788 Labour party members conducted by the think tank ThinkLabour reveals a membership base skeptical of increased welfare spending and supportive of higher defense investments. The survey, released in a report titled 'Who is Labour For?', found that 68% of members support increased defense spending, while 47% believe the government currently spends too much on welfare.

Respondents identified the economy, the cost of living, health, and climate change as the most critical national issues. To fund social care and existing welfare obligations, a majority of members suggested raising taxes on high earners. These findings have been shared with senior strategists in Downing Street and the administration of Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Christabel Cooper, the interim director of political strategy at ThinkLabour, led the survey. Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Lucy Powell publicly praised the report. ThinkLabour maintains close ties to the Burnham premiership through several senior staff members.