Starmer defends defence plan after Healey resigns over funding
6 reported
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted his defence funding plan will keep the UK safe, following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey over a funding dispute. Healey is the fourth Cabinet minister to leave Starmer’s government since it came to power and the second to resign over policy differences. Defence Minister Al Carns said the funding in the defence investment plan “isn’t enough” for the armed forces and signalled he would consider his position if the plan is not “right by the armed forces.” Labour MP Pamela Nash also resigned as parliamentary private secretary to Healey, citing damage to public trust. General Sir Richard Barrons, who co-wrote the government’s 2025 defence review, stated the government is “going backwards” on defence spending by not fully funding its own review. The chief of the defence staff, Sir Rich Knighton, told military personnel to remain apolitical and not be drawn into speculation about funding decisions.
What’s reported
John Healey resigned as defence secretary over a funding dispute.
Healey is the fourth Cabinet minister to leave Starmer’s government and the second to resign over policy differences.
Defence Minister Al Carns said the defence investment plan funding “isn’t enough” and will consider his position if the plan is not right for the armed forces.
Labour MP Pamela Nash resigned as parliamentary private secretary to Healey, citing damage to public trust.
General Sir Richard Barrons, co-author of the 2025 defence review, said the government is “going backwards” on defence spending.
Sir Rich Knighton, head of the armed forces, told military personnel to remain apolitical.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
John Healey, former Defence Secretary
Al Carns, Defence Minister
Pamela Nash, Labour MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke
Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff
General Sir Richard Barrons, former commander of Joint Forces Command
Sources: The Guardian
