London, United Kingdom. Britain’s defence minister John Healey resigned on Thursday amid a dispute over military spending, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to commit the resources needed to defend the country at a time of heightened threat.
The resignation, delivered in a public letter, adds pressure on Starmer as his government faces internal political strains and continued disagreement over how to increase defence spending despite tight public finances.
Resignation and criticism
Healey said Starmer had been unable to secure the funding required for national defence and that the Treasury had been unwilling to provide the necessary resources.
In his letter to the prime minister, Healey said: “You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.”
He also said the financial settlement for the Defence Investment Plan, which he said he received in full on Monday afternoon, fell well short of what was required “for defence and the country at this dangerous time”.
Delayed defence plan
Britain’s defence and finance ministries have been in talks for months over how to meet rising demands for increased military spending, delaying the Defence Investment Plan that had been expected last year.
Military leaders have said the plan is needed to address a rising threat level, including frequent Russian incursions into British waters.
The plan is intended to set out funding for military equipment and services to ensure the armed forces move to a state of “warfighting readiness”. Starmer said on Wednesday that it would be published before a NATO summit beginning on July 7.
Political and financial pressure
The resignation comes as Starmer struggles to maintain his position after health minister Wes Streeting resigned in May and as Andy Burnham seeks a return to frontline politics to launch a leadership bid.
The dispute over defence spending has highlighted broader pressure on the government as it seeks to increase military investment while reducing debt and managing what the article described as the highest overall tax burden in decades.
Industry and strategic concerns
Britain’s defence industry has criticised the delay to the plan, saying the uncertainty has prevented investment in long-term programmes.
The United Kingdom is also contending with a shift in U.S. priorities away from protecting Europe, while the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran exposed what the article described as Britain’s lack of military readiness, with its navy unable to immediately deploy an advanced warship to the region.
