UK Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned over the government’s military spending plans, accusing Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves of endangering the country’s security amid growing international threats.
In his resignation letter, Healey criticised the government’s long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP), saying it does not go far enough to meet the UK’s security needs at a time of heightened global risk.
“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.
He added: “I would not be able to accept a DIP settlement that does not give our forces the resources they need. I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation as your Defence Secretary.”
He referenced the prime minister’s recent warning that UK intelligence assessments indicate Russia could be capable of launching an attack on a NATO member state as early as 2030.
He also said he was only informed on Monday of the final military spending plans agreed by Starmer and Reeves. He criticised the structure of the package, saying the extra support was “backloaded”, despite the urgent need to accelerate readiness in the first two years due to operational pressures.
Without a DIP structured in this way, he said it would force decisions that could reduce the readiness of the armed forces, increase risk to personnel on operations, and potentially make the country less safe.
In his letter, he also expressed appreciation for colleagues who supported the plan, noting the financial pressures involved.
Healey’s resignation comes at a busy period for Starmer, with several scheduled engagements. The prime minister is due to meet G7 leaders in France next week, while the Makerfield by-election is set for Thursday.
He is also expected to travel to Ankara for a NATO summit in early July, where defence commitments will be discussed.
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