Healey warns Labour infighting jeopardises government credibility

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning that internal divisions within the Labour Party are undermining the government’s credibility, accusing senior colleagues of placing personal political ambition above effective governance. Speaking to the Good Growth Foundation, Healey characterised the current political climate as “serious times” amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine and escalating economic pressures on British families.

The defence secretary, a loyalist to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, delivered a thinly veiled critique of rivals Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and junior defence minister Al Carns. Healey argued that the party had “turned in on itself” following the recent elections, stating that the public would not forgive leaders perceived as more concerned with their own standing than with national interests.

Specific criticisms were directed at Burnham’s recent public appearances, including jogging while seeking the prime ministership, Streeting’s resignation from the health secretary role to spark a leadership contest, and Carns’ use of parliamentary expenses for promotional videos featuring physical stunts. Healey contrasted his own approach with what he described as rivals’ pursuit of photo opportunities and public relations gains, asserting that politics is not about the individual.

On policy, Healey reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035. He highlighted that defence jobs are skilled, unionised, and offer an average salary of £57,000, with over half a million Britons expected to work for defence firms within a decade. He emphasised that future military spending must serve both national security and British industry, justifying the need for economic growth to fund new arms.

Despite these pledges, no date was announced for the publication of the long-delayed defence investment plan, which faces an £18bn overspend dispute with the Treasury. Healey promised the plan was imminent but stressed it must be properly budgeted. He also accused Reform UK of being supported by “pro-Russian cronies” and the Green Party of seeking to “shut down the defence industry”, distinguishing Labour’s approach from its political rivals.