Healey’s shock resignation over defence plan pushes Starmer to brink
Former defence secretary accuses PM of putting UK’s security at risk at a time of growing international threats
TL;DR
- John Healey resigned as defence secretary, accusing Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves of risking national security due to insufficient defence investment.
- Healey stated the Defence Investment Plan (Dip) did not provide the necessary resources for the armed forces.
- The resignation, along with that of security minister Dan Jarvis and armed forces minister Al Carns, has weakened Starmer's political authority.
- The UK faces growing international threats, with intelligence warning of a potential Russian attack on a Nato country by 2030.
- Healey revealed the planned increase in defence spending to 2.68% of GDP by 2030 was insufficient, arguing for a 3% target.
- Starmer countered that strong public finances, not irresponsible borrowing, ensure safety, and noted significant reallocations from other budgets for defence.
- The departure occurs just before Starmer's participation in G7 and Nato summits, where he will have to explain the situation.