Healey resigns as UK defence secretary over funding dispute
John Healey tells Keir Starmer he cannot continue in role without compromising national safety, accusing the government of being unable to override fiscal constraints amid escalating global threats.
John Healey has resigned as UK defence secretary, submitting a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer that outlines a fundamental disagreement over the pace and scale of military funding. The resignation follows a protracted dispute regarding the delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP), with Healey arguing that the government’s current fiscal approach fails to address the urgency of rising security threats.
In his letter, Healey detailed the escalating dangers posed by Russia, Iran, and instability in the Arctic, asserting that defence spending must rise to 3% of GDP by 2030 to meet operational readiness needs. He specifically rejected a proposed settlement that would backload spending, noting it would only reach 2.68% of GDP by 2030—a figure he described as barely above the 2.6% expected the following year.
The resignation letter carries significant political weight, as Healey accused the Treasury, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, of blocking the necessary sums required for the DIP. More pointedly, he suggested that Starmer was unable to override these fiscal constraints, implying a lack of political grip within the cabinet. This critique follows earlier concerns raised by Healey and other ministers regarding Starmer’s leadership after the Labour party’s poor performance in the May local elections.
Healey emphasised that the pressure on UK forces is concentrated in the immediate future, citing ongoing operations in Ukraine and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Quoting Starmer’s own warnings, he noted that the UK could face a Russian attack on NATO members as early as 2030. Without a plan that adequately meets this level of threat, Healey stated he could not continue in his role without making decisions that might compromise national safety.
The departure comes at a time of heightened regional conflict, with Iran’s military command recently announcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessel traffic following US airstrikes in southern Iran. While the resignation is framed as a matter of principle regarding national security, analysts suggest it may also serve to position Healey for future senior roles or leadership ambitions within the party.
