John Healey Resigns Over Defense Spending Disagreement

John Healey, the United Kingdom’s defense secretary, resigned on Thursday. He cited Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s insufficient investment in defense as the reason for his departure. Healey has been a strong supporter of Starmer, yet expressed concerns about national security needs.

In a letter released to the public, Healey mentioned being informed on Monday of the Prime Minister’s plan for a Defense Investment Plan (DIP). He criticized this plan for not allocating enough funds to the military, in his view.

Without a DIP that meets the moment in this way, I am being forced to make decisions that would reduce the readiness of our Forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe, Healey wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister.

He indicated that Starmer’s proposal would increase military expenditure to 2.68 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product by 2030. This falls short of the 3.5 percent target that Healey claims was previously discussed.

Healey shared his decision through social media, emphasizing that the lack of sufficient resources left him with no choice but to resign. He stressed that forces require proper funding to ensure safety and readiness.

This situation is still developing, and more information will be provided as the story evolves.

Michael D. Shear is covering the story as the chief U.K. correspondent for The New York Times, focusing on British politics, culture, and global diplomacy.