UK Defence Secretary Resigns, Disrupting Aukus Diplomacy in Portsmouth
Disagreement over defence spending commitments forces cancellation of scheduled naval base tour, though Canberra reaffirms commitment to submarine partnership
Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned from the Starmer government, citing a fundamental disagreement with a new defence spending plan that he argued failed to provide sufficient resources for national security. The resignation, reported by The Guardian Business, occurred hours before a scheduled joint visit with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles to a naval base in Portsmouth, effectively dismantling a key diplomatic event for the Aukmin summit of defence and foreign ministers.
Healey’s departure follows public criticism of the UK government’s approach to national security, which was highlighted in a podcast interview with The Guardian published on 11 June 2026. In his resignation, Healey stated that the new spending framework did not commit the resources required to defend the country amid rising threats, a move described as him falling on his sword amidst teetering government authority.
The cancellation of the joint visit to the Portsmouth naval base was a direct consequence of Healey’s exit. However, Marles proceeded to the location to meet with the Royal Navy separately, an event hosted by a junior defence minister. Guardian Australia reported that the Australian minister attended the facility despite the high-profile disruption to the planned itinerary.
In response to the sudden change in leadership, Marles issued a statement expressing his deep appreciation for his collaborative relationship with Healey. He emphasised the enduring nature of the Australia-UK defence relationship, noting his close work with Healey and his predecessors, particularly regarding the Aukus submarine project.
Marles reaffirmed the shared values and interests underpinning the bilateral defence ties, wishing Healey well in his future endeavours. This statement comes just one day after the Australian minister expressed a sense of confidence in the UK’s commitment to the Aukus submarine project, underscoring Canberra’s focus on maintaining stability in the trilateral security partnership with the UK and the US.
