Britain Is Not Spending Enough to Defend Itself: John Healey Quits as UK Defence Secretary

In a major blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government, British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing the government and the Treasury of failing to provide sufficient funding for the armed forces at a time of mounting global security threats.

In a strongly worded resignation letter, Healey said the government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP) falls "well short of what is required at this dangerous time." He argued that Britain faces increasing threats from Russia's war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, tensions involving Iran, and wider challenges to European security, requiring a far more ambitious defence spending programme.

The resignation follows months of bitter negotiations between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, over the scale of future military funding. The dispute forced the government to delay publication of the Defence Investment Plan, which military leaders say is essential for improving Britain's war-fighting readiness and modernising its forces.

At the heart of the disagreement is the pace of defence spending increases. Healey revealed that government projections would raise spending from about 2.6 per cent of GDP to only 2.68 per cent by 2030, while he had pushed for a firm commitment to reach 3 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade. The government's current position is to reach 3 per cent in the next parliament and align with NATO's broader target of 3.5 per cent by 2035.

Healey warned that delaying investment would undermine military readiness, weaken Britain's ability to respond to future crises and place service personnel at greater risk. Defence officials had reportedly argued that billions of pounds in additional funding were needed to implement commitments outlined in the Strategic Defence Review and address long-standing capability gaps.

The resignation comes just weeks before important NATO meetings and adds to political pressure on Starmer, who is already facing criticism over economic and domestic policy challenges. Healey, who played a leading role in coordinating British support for Ukraine and strengthening European defence cooperation, said he could no longer support a plan that failed to match the scale of today's security threats. His departure has triggered speculation over his successor, with Security Minister Dan Jarvis and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns among the names being discussed.