UK defense secretary abruptly resigns, saying government won't spend enough on military
Summary
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned unexpectedly, saying the government is not willing to spend enough on the military amid rising global threats. This resignation adds pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who supports a defense spending plan critics say is too slow and insufficient.Key Facts
- John Healey quit as U.K. Defense Secretary, citing insufficient military funding.
- Healey said the defense spending plan does not meet the needs given current global threats, including conflicts involving Iran and Russia.
- The government plans to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2035, but Healey says this is too slow and too little.
- The Defense Investment Plan’s publication was delayed due to disagreements between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.
- Prime Minister Starmer defends the plan, saying it reallocates funds fairly and keeps the country safe.
- Military experts warn that insufficient funding harms the U.K.’s role in NATO and national security.
- Healey helped build international support for Ukraine and worked on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
- NATO and U.S. President Donald Trump have pushed European countries, including the U.K., to increase military budgets.
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