UK defence secretary resigns over government’s insufficient military spending plan

John Healey has resigned as UK defence secretary, citing the government’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as insufficient to meet national security needs. In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Healey accused the Treasury of being unwilling to commit necessary resources, arguing that the proposed spending falls well short of requirements during a period of rising threats. Healey stated that the plan backloads funding, reaching only 2.68% of GDP by 2030, and warned that accepting the settlement would reduce force readiness and increase risks to personnel.

Healey revealed in his resignation letter that he had only viewed the final defence settlement on Monday afternoon, shortly before submitting his resignation. He noted that work on the cost of further investment was completed in January, but the government has since been unable to commit the required resources. He wrote that Starmer and the Treasury have been unable to provide the funds needed to defend the country at this dangerous time, despite the clear necessity for further investment.

The minister highlighted that the proposed funding is backloaded, reaching only 2.68% of GDP by 2030, whereas current investments already ensure the UK will reach 2.6% of GDP next year. Healey argued that the pressure of operations and the imperative to speed up readiness to fight are concentrated in the first two years, making the delayed financial commitment inadequate for immediate operational demands.

Healey referenced Starmer’s February speech at the Munich Security Conference, where the Prime Minister argued for increased defence power and warned of a potential Russian attack on NATO by 2030. He stated that Starmer was aware of what defence needs based on that address, yet the current DIP fails to meet the moment. Without a settlement that provides adequate resources, Healey said he was forced to make decisions that would reduce force readiness and increase risks to personnel on operations.

The resignation occurs against a backdrop of heightened global tensions, including recent Israeli strikes on military targets in Iran following Iranian missile attacks. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran was established in early April 2026, followed by further violence in late May 2026, including an Israeli attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The UK government is currently navigating complex international security dynamics, with Starmer having previously articulated concerns about rising threats to NATO.

Healey concluded that after explaining to Starmer he could not accept a DIP settlement that did not give forces the resources they needed, he had no other option than to resign. He warned that accepting the current plan would make the country less safe, citing the specific financial limitations and the timing of the funding release as critical failures in addressing the nation's security requirements.

The exact financial details of the rejected DIP settlement beyond the 2.68% GDP figure for 2030 are not fully detailed in the source. The specific timeline for any replacement appointment or immediate changes to defence policy remains unclear.