UK defence chief steps down, accuses Starmer of making Britain 'less safe'
Summary
The UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, saying Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury are not providing enough money to protect Britain’s armed forces. Healey warned that delays and low funding in Starmer’s defence plan could make Britain less safe amid rising global threats.Key Facts
- John Healey resigned as UK Defence Secretary on June 11, 2026.
- Healey accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of underfunding the military.
- The government’s long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP) has not yet been published.
- Healey said the current DIP proposal will only raise defence spending to 2.68% of the economy by 2030, below Labour’s pledge of 3%.
- Starmer’s government promised to increase defence spending to 2.5% next year and 3.5% by 2035 if Labour wins the 2029 election.
- Starmer replied that his plans will allow the military to modernize and keep the country safe.
- Healey’s resignation adds pressure on Starmer ahead of a key by-election on June 18, 2026.
- Other Labour figures, like Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, have also shown interest in Labour leadership amid internal party tensions.
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