John Healey has resigned as defence secretary following a contentious dispute within the government over financing for a long-delayed military spending blueprint.
In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Healey stated that the proposed settlement for the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time." He accused the Treasury of being "unwilling" and the prime minister "unable" to commit necessary resources.
The DIP, which outlines funding for new equipment and infrastructure over the next decade, has been repeatedly postponed. Healey argued that since January, demands on defence have escalated due to conflicts in the Middle East and new commitments in the Arctic and Ukraine.
A government source defended the administration, asserting that the country is "safer because of the decisions Keir Starmer has made."
Healey, a veteran Labour figure who has served in frontbench roles since Tony Blair's era, becomes the second cabinet minister to quit Starmer's government in recent weeks, following Health Secretary Wes Streeting's resignation.
The resignation deepens challenges for Starmer, who has faced internal dissent and poor local election results. Despite this, Healey has urged other defence ministers to remain in their posts to maintain stability.
The DIP was expected last autumn, but delays have drawn criticism from unions and defence firms, who warn of risks to jobs and national security. The Ministry of Defence reportedly sought an extra £28 billion over four years, while the government was considering a £13.5 billion increase.
The UK has committed to spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035. Healey advocated for reaching 3% by 2030 but said the current plan moves too slowly, potentially reducing military readiness and increasing risks to personnel.
Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge backed Healey's resignation, calling it "the decent thing" given insufficient funding amid threats from Russia and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Kevin Craven, CEO of the defence trade association ADS, described the resignation as a "damning reflection on the current state of affairs," urging an adequately funded DIP.
Starmer defended his record, stating the government will spend £270 billion on defence from 2024 to 2029, the largest sustained investment since the Cold War.