Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has resigned from his post amid a deepening row over military spending, dealing another severe blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The resignation came just hours after Defence Secretary John Healey also stepped down, throwing the government's defence strategy into turmoil.
Resignations Rock Starmer's Government
Al Carns, who served as the Minister for the Armed Forces, quit over what sources describe as fundamental disagreements about the direction of military funding. His departure follows that of Defence Secretary John Healey, who resigned earlier in the day, citing an inability to secure the necessary resources for the armed forces.
The back-to-back resignations represent a major crisis for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced mounting pressure over his handling of defence budgets. Critics argue that the government's spending plans are insufficient to meet the country's security needs.
What Led to the Resignations?
Both ministers were reportedly unhappy with the Treasury's refusal to commit to increased military spending in line with NATO targets. The UK has long committed to spending 2% of GDP on defence, but there are growing calls for a rise to 2.5% or more amid global tensions.
A government spokesperson said: "We thank Al Carns for his service and respect his decision. The Prime Minister remains committed to ensuring our armed forces are properly funded." However, opposition parties have seized on the resignations as evidence of chaos at the heart of government.
Impact on Military Policy
The departure of both the Defence Secretary and the Armed Forces Minister leaves a significant leadership vacuum at the Ministry of Defence. It is unclear who will take over their responsibilities in the interim, though speculation is rife about a possible reshuffle.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.
