Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, triggering the first major crisis for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.
Healey stepped down citing disagreements over defence spending and funding plans for the armed forces, highlighting tensions within the Labour administration.
In his resignation letter to the prime minister, Healey is reported to have expressed strong disagreement with the Treasury and Downing Street, arguing that available resources are insufficient to address rising global threats and maintain military readiness.
The resignation follows months of difficult negotiations between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, which had been repeatedly postponed due to disputes over funding.
According to British media, Healey believed the proposed budget did not meet the country’s needs at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the war in Ukraine ongoing, strained relations with Russia and increased NATO demands for higher defence spending.
His departure marks the first major blow to Starmer’s government at senior cabinet level and is expected to fuel political debate over whether Britain has the resources to meet its NATO commitments and growing security challenges.
Healey had led the Defence Ministry since Labour returned to power in July 2024 and was widely seen as one of the government’s most experienced figures on defence and national security.
Downing Street has yet to name a successor, with an official statement from the prime minister expected later on Thursday.
Source: CNA
