British Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned from the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, citing what he described as inadequate funding commitments for the country’s armed forces at a time of growing global security threats.
In a strongly worded resignation letter published on Thursday, Healey accused both Starmer and the Treasury of failing to provide the level of investment required to protect the United Kingdom.
“You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats,” Healey wrote.
The former defence secretary said he could not support the government’s long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, arguing that the proposed spending levels were insufficient to meet current security challenges, including threats posed by Russia and broader geopolitical instability.
According to Healey, the proposed plan would raise defence spending to only about 2.68 percent of GDP by 2030, which he believes falls short of what is required for national security. He warned that the funding settlement could reduce military readiness, increase risks to personnel, and ultimately make the country less safe.
The resignation represents a significant setback for Starmer’s Labour government and comes amid mounting political pressure on the prime minister following recent electoral setbacks and internal party tensions. Healey’s departure follows the resignation of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and has intensified speculation about potential leadership challenges within the governing Labour Party.
Reacting to the development, Tan Dhesi described Healey’s warning as one that should be taken seriously, saying his resignation over defence funding represented a “grave moment” for the government.
Political analysts say the resignation could create additional difficulties for Starmer as the government prepares to unveil its Defence Investment Plan ahead of a major NATO summit scheduled for July.
Despite the criticism, government sources have defended the administration’s defence spending plans, insisting that the proposed investments will provide the capabilities needed by Britain’s armed forces and strengthen national security.
