{"id":715,"date":"2026-06-11T17:39:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T17:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=715"},"modified":"2026-06-11T17:39:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T17:39:56","slug":"uk-defense-secretary-resigns-saying-the-government-is-not-willing-to-spend-enough-on-the-military","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=715","title":{"rendered":"UK defense secretary resigns, saying the government is not willing to spend enough on the military"},"content":{"rendered":"
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LONDON (AP) \u2014 U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey unexpectedly quit on Thursday, saying the government is unwilling to spend enough on the military at a time of \u201crising threats.\u201d The resignation dealt another blow to embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer<\/span>, who is already facing demands from Labour colleagues to step down.<\/p>\n

Read more Iran\u2019s Kharg Island is key to its oil exports. Targeting it carries major risks<\/a><\/p>\n

Healey told Starmer in a letter that the government\u2019s Defense Investment Plan falls \u201cwell short of what is required at this dangerous time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.<\/p>\n

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Critics say defense spending boost is too little, too late<\/h2>\n

Starmer has pledged to boost U.K. defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2035. But many in the military say that isn\u2019t fast enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats,\u201d Healey wrote in his resignation letter. <\/p>\n

He said that the spending plan put forward by the Treasury, and presented to him on Monday, would see defense spending rise to just 2.68% in 2030, after hitting 2.6% next year.<\/p>\n

Healey said that isn\u2019t enough with growing demands on defense and British military commitments, citing the Iran war<\/span>, Russia\u2019s all-out invasion of Ukraine<\/span> and threats from Moscow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Gen. Richard Barrons, who helped lead a defense review that underpins the investment plan, said the government is \u201cactively going backwards\u201d by refusing to fund its own review.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt diminishes the U.K.\u2019s standing within NATO, weakens our credibility with allies, and increases our vulnerability to the realities of 21st century conflict,\u201d he said. \u201cAllies and adversaries alike will be paying attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

The government said it was delivering \u201cthe largest sustained boost to defense spending since the Cold War.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis country is safer because of the decisions Keir Starmer has made and we will continue to act in our national interest,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n

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Healey is considered a safe pair of hands<\/h2>\n

Healey has been U.K. defense secretary since the Labour Party government was elected in July 2024, and he\u2019s regarded as a capable and serious minister.<\/p>\n

He has played a key role in bolstering international support for Ukraine and assembling a multinational coalition<\/span> to help guarantee security if a ceasefire is reached. Healey also has helped spearhead a maritime security force that would help keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping if the Iran war ends.<\/p>\n

Read more Courthouse glimpse of prominent Gaza doctor renews calls for his release from Israeli detention<\/a><\/p>\n

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