Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged he needs to “turn things around” following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, amid a growing row over military spending that has sparked recriminations across Whitehall and concern from the United States.
Downing Street and the Treasury traded blows with allies of Healey on Friday, with No 10 expressing dismay that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had requested £18bn to plug funding gaps in major projects. Those close to the former defence secretary accused Starmer of failing to recognise the deterioration in global security.
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer promised to fight any leadership challenge and defended his decision to restrict defence funding. “Whoever is prime minister is going to face the same prevailing winds as I am facing,” he said. No 10 sided with the Treasury, complaining it had been surprised by the MoD’s demand for more cash after the strategic defence review.
Healey quit on Thursday, accusing Starmer of putting national security at risk and being unable to stand up to Chancellor Rachel Reeves. He revealed that Starmer had only offered to increase defence spending to 2.68% of GDP by 2030, about £25bn below the Nato target of 3.5% by 2035, as agreed a year ago.
There were signs of concern from the Trump administration. Elbridge Colby, US undersecretary of defence, cited Healey’s resignation letter and called for more British military strength. The New York Times reported that the US also wants to reduce its military presence in Europe, expecting the UK and other Nato members to take the lead on defending the continent.
The defence investment plan, due to be published on Monday, has been delayed until close to the Nato summit in Ankara in July. Dan Jarvis, Healey’s replacement, met Starmer and the chief of defence staff on Friday to discuss the budget crisis.
