2 min readNew DelhiJun 11, 2026 06:01 PM IST
First published on: Jun 11, 2026 at 05:21 PM IST
In another setback for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday after stating that the government is not willing to spend enough on the military at a time when threats are rising.
Healey told PM Starmer that the UK government’s defence investment plan falls “well short of what is required at this dangerous time.”
An AP report stated that publication of the government’s defence investment plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the defence ministry and treasury.
In the letter outlining his decision to quit the government, Healey said the Defence Investment Plan financial settlement “which I was first given in full on Monday afternoon this week” falls “well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time”.
The high-profile resignation comes at a time when Starmer is facing a likely leadership challenge with another challenger, Andy Burnham, attempting to return to frontline politics. Earlier, Wes Streeting resigned as health minister in May.
Due to delay of UK government’s defence investment plan, the British defence industry has been infuriated. UK has been facing a difficult situation after US President Donald Trump’s administration drifting away from protecting Europe.
“I am being forced to make decisions that would reduce the readiness of our forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe,” Healey wrote in his letter.
John Healey, Britain's Minister of Defense arrives for a cabinet meeting inside 10 Downing Street in London. (AP Photo) 
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