Dan Jarvis appointed defence secretary after Healey resignation
11 reported
Dan Jarvis has been named as the new defence secretary following the resignation of John Healey, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. The resignation came amid disagreements over the government’s defence spending plans, with armed forces minister Al Carns also quitting over the same issue. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret over Healey’s departure but defended the Defence Investment Plan as delivering an unprecedented increase in spending. General Sir Richard Barrons, a co-author of the 2025 defence review, stated the resignations show the government is “going backwards” on defence spending. Luke Pollard confirmed he is staying as defence readiness minister, saying he looks forward to working with Jarvis. The chief of the defence staff, Sir Rich Knighton, wrote to military personnel urging them to remain apolitical amid the changes. Labour MP Pamela Nash also resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Defence Ministerial Team, citing damage to public trust over funding delays.
What’s reported
Dan Jarvis was appointed defence secretary after John Healey resigned.
Al Carns resigned as armed forces minister, writing that the government is failing those who serve.
Keir Starmer said the Defence Investment Plan will provide resources the military needs.
General Sir Richard Barrons said the resignations show the government is “going backwards” on defence spending.
Luke Pollard is staying as defence readiness minister.
Sir Rich Knighton, head of the armed forces, told personnel to remain apolitical.
Pamela Nash resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Defence Ministerial Team.
The government announced a target for 55% of short urban journeys to be walked or cycled by 2035.
A target of 60% of children aged 5-16 walking or cycling to school by 2035 was also set.
The government plans to invest over £4.5 billion in active travel over five years.
The US government backed plans to preserve the masts of the SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck.
Key figures
Dan Jarvis: new defence secretary
John Healey: resigned as defence secretary
Al Carns: resigned as armed forces minister
Keir Starmer: prime minister
General Sir Richard Barrons: co-author of 2025 defence review
Luke Pollard: defence readiness minister
Sir Rich Knighton: head of the armed forces
Pamela Nash: Labour MP who resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary
Warren Stephens: US ambassador to the UK
Kevin McKenna: Labour MP who campaigned to keep shipwreck masts
Sources: The Guardian
