Key facts
- Defence Secretary John Healey resigned due to disagreements over the Defence Investment Plan's funding.
- Healey stated the plan "falls well short of what is required" and lacks sufficient resources until after 2030.
- Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also resigned, citing the government's failure to support the armed forces.
- The resignations increase pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces potential leadership challenges.
- Healey's departure is embarrassing internationally, coming before a G7 summit focused on defence spending.
Sir Keir Starmer's government is facing significant political turmoil following the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns. Both ministers cited insufficient funding for the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as the reason for their departures, accusing the prime minister of being "unwilling to commit the resources" necessary to adequately defend the nation.
In a scathing letter, Healey stated that the DIP funding "falls well short of what is required," with crucial support not expected until after 2030, despite an immediate need for increased readiness. He expressed that he was left with "no other option" but to resign after being presented with a plan that did not adequately resource the Ministry of Defence.
Healey's resignation is particularly damaging as it comes just days before a critical G7 summit, where defence spending is expected to be a key topic of discussion, and amid potential threats of a Labour leadership contest. The departure of Healey, the fourth cabinet minister to leave Starmer's government, and second over policy differences, intensifies pressure on the prime minister.
Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the need for increased defence funding but defended the DIP, calling it an "unprecedented increase" delivered sustainably. He expressed regret that Healey would not be part of the ongoing work. The situation is further complicated by reports that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is also unhappy with the government's direction, though a source close to her denied she is preparing to resign.