Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned from the UK Government after a dispute with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over defence spending.
In a resignation letter dated Thursday 11th June, Healey said he could no longer support the Government’s Defence Investment Plan because it failed to provide the level of funding he believed was needed to meet growing security threats.
Healey said he had pushed for a commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2030 and warned that the settlement agreed by the Treasury would leave the Armed Forces underfunded.
In the letter, he wrote that Britain faces an increasingly dangerous international situation, citing conflict in the Middle East, rising Russian activity, NATO commitments and plans for a future British deployment to Ukraine following a ceasefire agreement.
He argued that the Government’s current plans would see defence spending rise to just 2.68% of GDP by 2030, which he said fell well short of what was required.
Healey also referenced recent intelligence assessments suggesting there could be a Russian attack on a NATO member state as early as 2030.
The outgoing Defence Secretary said the lack of funding would force decisions that could reduce military readiness, increase risks to service personnel and leave the country less safe.
Announcing his departure, Healey said: “After explaining to you that 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.”
Despite his criticism of the funding settlement, Healey praised the Government’s record on defence, highlighting support for Ukraine, increased defence exports, reforms to the Armed Forces and closer cooperation with European allies.
The resignation is a significant challenge for Starmer’s Government and comes just days after the Spending Review, with defence funding expected to remain one of the most contentious issues facing ministers.