U.K. Defense Secretary Exits, Slams Government for Military Underfunding

U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey has thrown in the towel, declaring the government’s military budget woefully insufficient during a time of escalating global threats. His resignation strikes another blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already under pressure from Labour colleagues demanding his exit.

In a scathing letter to Starmer, Healey stated that the government’s Defense Investment Plan falls “well short of what is required at this dangerous time.” The plan’s publication has been stalled due to reported disagreements between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.

Hours after Healey's departure, Al Carns, a decorated war veteran and junior minister in the defense ministry, followed suit. Carns expressed his inability to defend “a level of investment I know to be inadequate to the task.” Speculation mounts that Carns could challenge Starmer’s leadership in the future.

Starmer expressed regret over Healey's resignation but insisted that the funding plan would ensure “sustainable and fair” increases in military spending to keep the U.K. secure.

Late Thursday, Dan Jarvis was appointed as the new defense secretary, stepping into a role fraught with challenges. Starmer has committed to increasing U.K. defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2035, but many military insiders argue this is too slow.

In his resignation letter, Healey accused the government of failing to allocate necessary resources for national defense amid rising threats. He pointed out that the Treasury’s spending plan would only see defense spending rise to 2.68% by 2030, after reaching 2.6% next year.

Healey highlighted the urgency of increased funding due to growing demands on defense and British military commitments, referencing conflicts such as the Iran war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation,” he stated bluntly.

General Richard Barrons, who led a defense review that supports the investment plan, criticized the government for “actively going backwards” by neglecting to fund its own review. He warned that this diminishes the U.K.’s standing within NATO and increases vulnerability in modern conflicts.

The government claims it is delivering “the largest sustained boost to defense spending since the Cold War,” asserting that decisions made by Starmer have made the country safer.

Healey has served as U.K. defense secretary since July 2024 and is recognized as a competent minister. He has been instrumental in rallying international support for Ukraine and forming a coalition to ensure security if a ceasefire occurs. Additionally, he has spearheaded efforts for a maritime security force to maintain open shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz if hostilities with Iran cease.

The U.K. military faces pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to increase its military budget, as Trump has long criticized NATO allies for not contributing their fair share while relying on U.S. security.

The U.K. military is striving to reverse years of decline amid an increasingly aggressive Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and continues to test European defenses through various means.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged Healey’s resignation during a news conference in Brussels, expressing respect for him. Rutte noted that countries across the alliance are increasing their defense investments despite the challenges involved.

Healey’s exit is likely to intensify speculation about Starmer’s future as prime minister. Already beleaguered by missteps since Labour regained power less than two years ago, Starmer faces internal calls for his resignation.

Starmer's inability to reconcile differences between Healey’s department and Treasury chief Rachel Reeves over defense spending signals a decline in his authority.

Olivia O’Sullivan from Chatham House remarked that Healey’s resignation “significantly undermines Starmer,” especially given Starmer's previously solid track record on defense and foreign affairs.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is anticipated to challenge Starmer for leadership if he returns to Parliament in a special election on June 18.

Justin Crump, a former British tank commander and head of security consultancy Sibylline, criticized the government for allowing Healey’s resignation to happen, stating it underscores a lack of control and clarity within the administration.

“It just further underlines a lack of control here, a lack of clarity, a lack of resolution, a gap between words and delivery,” he said.