LONDON – Web Desk: British Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned from his position, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to provide the financial resources needed to strengthen the country’s defense, according to international media reports.
In his resignation letter, Healey stated that given current global threats, Britain requires greater investment in defense, but the government and Treasury are unwilling to provide necessary resources. He warned that the proposed defense investment plan does not meet the needs of British armed forces and could weaken national security.
Healey revealed that he was briefed this week on a defense investment plan that would see defense spending reach only 2.68% of GDP by 2030, far below what he believes is necessary. He said insufficient budget would have forced him to make decisions affecting military readiness, operational capability, and personnel safety, leading him to resign.
Prime Minister Starmer’s government has promised to increase defense spending, with plans to raise the defense budget to 2.5% of GDP next year, with future targets of 3% and eventually 3.5%. Healey’s resignation is seen as a major political blow to Starmer, coming at a time when Britain faces global threats including Russia, and NATO allies are pressing for increased defense spending.
