UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned unexpectedly on Thursday, saying he could no longer support a government that, in his view, isn’t investing enough in the nation’s security during a period of growing global threats. His departure adds new strain to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already facing calls from within his own Labour Party to step aside.
In his letter to the prime minister, Healey said the government’s Defence Investment Plan falls far short of what he believes the current moment requires. The plan’s release has been delayed, with reports suggesting ongoing disagreements between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.
Many critics argue that the government’s promised increases in defense spending simply aren’t keeping pace with the challenges ahead. While Starmer has committed to raising defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2035, military leaders and analysts say the timeline is too slow.
“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 that the Treasury’s proposed plan, presented to him on Monday, would only raise defense spending to 2.6% next year and 2.68% by 2030—levels he believes fall significantly short of what the UK needs.
