British Defense Minister John Healey resigned on Thursday, criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury for refusing to give the armed forces the resources they need.
In his resignation letter to Starmer, published on to defend the country in this period of growing threats.”
He wrote that the latest version of the defense investment plan presented to him on Monday “falls far short of what is needed for defense and the country in this dangerous time” and would increase spending from defense only to 2.68% of GDP by 2030, compared to the 2.6% expected for next year.
“Having explained to you that I would not be able to accept a Defense Investment Plan agreement that does not give our forces the resources they need, I now have no choice but to tender my resignation as your Minister of Defense,” he concluded.
Healey had held the position since July 2024, when the Labor Party took power.
Since then, however, the party has fallen in the polls, fueled by discontent over economic stagnation, and suffered a crushing electoral setback in last month’s local elections, sparking calls internally for Starmer to be replaced.
In recent months, Starmer has dodged questions about how he would fund an increase in defense spending, with his party and opposition Conservatives urging him to rule out any welfare cuts or tax rises.
It was expected that the defense investment plan would finally be unveiled this week. The prime minister said it would be published before the NATO leaders’ summit on July 8.
Update: We’ve added additional contextual information.
(aw)
