UK Defence Secretary Resigns Over Military Spending, June 11

UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on June 11 over a dispute about military spending, saying the government’s Defence Investment Plan falls “well short of what is required” to defend the country. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns quit hours later, citing the government’s failure to provide the military with necessary resources. The double resignation weakens Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of a NATO summit and comes as his government faces internal pressure.

Why Healey Walked Away

John Healey said the government’s Defence Investment Plan does not commit enough resources to meet rising security threats. In his resignation letter, he accused Prime Minister Starmer of being “unable” and the Treasury of being “unwilling” to fund defence adequately. Healey said the plan would raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP next year and 2.68% by 2030, but this falls short of what military leaders say is needed.

Starmer Defends His Spending Plan

Prime Minister Starmer pledged to boost defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2035. He told Healey that his plan delivers “an unprecedented increase in defence spending” in a “sustainable and fair” way without “irresponsible borrowing.” Starmer said the plan includes significant reallocations from other government departments to protect the nation. However, military leaders argue the increases are too slow given threats from Russia, Iran, and ongoing commitments in Ukraine.

Carns Follows Healey Out the Door

Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned hours after Healey, saying the government is “failing” to give the military the equipment needed to do its job. Carns, a former Royal Marine, wrote that “the character of conflict is changing faster than our procurement can keep up with.” He said Number 10 refused to listen to his case for more resources, leaving him no choice but to step down.

Starmer’s Government Under Strain

The resignations mark a major setback for Starmer, whose popularity has collapsed since Labour’s 2024 election victory. Healey was one of Starmer’s most loyal cabinet allies, and his departure signals deep internal disagreement. The timing is damaging ahead of a NATO summit next week and a by-election where Labour candidate Andy Burnham could challenge Starmer for the party leadership. Healey is the second cabinet minister to resign in recent weeks, after Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit citing lost confidence in the PM.

Final Thoughts

Healey and Carns’ resignations expose a fundamental split in Starmer’s government over defence spending at a time of rising international threats. The departures weaken Starmer’s authority ahead of critical diplomatic meetings and deepen pressure from within his own party for a change in leadership.

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