Healey resigns as defence secretary over defence spending dispute
9 reported2 unconfirmed
John Healey has resigned as UK defence secretary, citing a disagreement with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves over defence funding. In his resignation letter, Healey criticized Reeves for being "unwilling" to commit sufficient resources and Starmer for being "unable" to overrule her. The resignation has drawn reactions from opposition leaders and union figures, with the Green party, SNP, and Conservatives each issuing statements. Defence minister Al Carns praised Healey's "serious service" and stated the defence investment plan is "not fit for purpose." Unite leader Sharon Graham described the situation as "utter chaos," while the SNP called the resignation "utterly damning" for Starmer. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Starmer's premiership "is falling apart." The Guardian's political editor noted the resignation weakens Starmer and comes ahead of G7 and NATO meetings.
What’s reported
John Healey resigned as defence secretary over a dispute about defence spending.
Healey's letter criticized Rachel Reeves for being "unwilling" to fund defence and Keir Starmer for being "unable" to overrule her.
The Green party leader Zack Polanski said the resignation shows the government is "in chaos."
Defence minister Al Carns said the defence investment plan is "not fit for purpose" and praised Healey's "serious service."
Unite leader Sharon Graham said the work on the defence investment plan has been "utter chaos."
The SNP's Dave Doogan called the resignation "utterly damning" for Starmer.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Starmer's premiership "is falling apart."
The Guardian reported that Healey only received the full offer on Monday afternoon and that No 10 tried to rush the plan for Thursday.
The article states that Healey had agreed the Strategic Defence Review on the basis it "might need to be accelerated" if things changed.
Open questions
The exact amount of defence spending Healey was seeking is not specified in the article.
Whether Starmer will appoint a new defence secretary and who that might be is not confirmed.
Key figures
John Healey, former UK defence secretary
Keir Starmer, UK prime minister
Rachel Reeves, chancellor
Zack Polanski, Green party leader
Al Carns, defence minister
Sharon Graham, Unite leader
Dave Doogan, SNP leader at Westminster
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
Pippa Crerar, Guardian political editor
Emily Maitlis, News Agents podcast host
Sources: The Guardian
