U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned Thursday, telling Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the government's defense spending plans are inadequate for what he called a time of rising global threats.
Healey served in the role since Labour's election victory in July 2024 and is regarded as a capable minister who helped build international coalitions supporting Ukraine. His departure came hours after Al Carns, a decorated veteran who served as a junior defense minister, also stepped down, saying he could not defend investment levels he considered insufficient.
In his resignation letter to Starmer, Healey said the Treasury's Defense Investment Plan would increase spending to just 2.68% of gross domestic product by 2030, after reaching 2.6% next year. The government has pledged to reach 2.5% by 2027 and 3% by 2035.
The publication of the defense plan had been delayed amid reported disagreement between the Defense Ministry and Treasury over funding levels.
What the Left Is Saying
Starmer expressed regret at Healey's departure in a letter responding to the resignation, saying the funding plan would provide sustainable and fair spending increases that would keep the U.K. safe.
The government issued a statement saying it was delivering the largest sustained boost to defense spending since the Cold War. "This country is safer because of the decisions Keir Starmer has made and we will continue to act in our national interest," the statement said.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, informed of Healey's resignation during a news conference in Brussels, said he respected Healey greatly. "What we are seeing all over the alliance is countries increasing their defense investments, and of course it is not easy, because in the end there is always a trade-off with other expenses, which are also important," Rutte said.
What the Right Is Saying
Gen. Richard Barrons, who helped lead a defense review that underpins the investment plan, said the government is actively going backwards by refusing to fund its own recommendations.
"It diminishes the U.K.'s standing within NATO, weakens our credibility with allies, and increases our vulnerability to the realities of 21st-century conflict," Barrons said. "Allies and adversaries alike will be paying attention."
Justin Crump, a former British tank commander who heads security consultancy Sibylline, said Healey's resignation should not have occurred in a well-run government. "It just further underlines a lack of control here, a lack of clarity, a lack of resolution, a gap between words and delivery," he said.
Olivia O'Sullivan, head of the Chatham House think tank's U.K. in the World program, said the resignation significantly undermines Starmer, particularly since the prime minister has had a relatively assured track record on defense and foreign affairs.
What the Numbers Show
The government's current trajectory: 2.6% of GDP by next year, rising to 2.68% by 2030 before reaching the pledged target of 3% by 2035.
NATO members agreed in 2024 that allies should spend at least 2% of GDP on defense. The U.S. has pressed European NATO members to increase contributions, with President Donald Trump questioning whether American security guarantees are warranted for nations not meeting spending targets.
The timing is significant: Healey said growing demands include support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022, and emerging tensions involving Iran.
Healey also helped spearhead a maritime security initiative to keep the Strait of Hormuz open if the Iran conflict ends.
The Bottom Line
Dan Jarvis, formerly the security minister, was appointed Thursday evening to replace Healey as defense secretary.
The resignation is likely to intensify pressure on Starmer, who has faced calls within his own party to step down following a series of missteps since Labour returned to power. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is widely expected to challenge for the leadership if he wins a June 18 special election.
Carns has been mentioned as a potential contender in that contest. His resignation alongside Healey signals broader discontent within the government over fiscal priorities.
What happens next: The delayed Defense Investment Plan is expected to be published, and observers will watch whether Starmer can stabilize his cabinet or if leadership challenges accelerate.