John Healey has resigned as defence secretary, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of failing to properly fund the Defence Investment Plan (Dip).
In a letter to Sir Keir, Mr Healey stated that the Prime Minister had been “unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.”
Background of the Defence Investment Plan
The Dip, originally called for by the Strategic Defence Review almost exactly a year ago, has faced significant delays due to ongoing disputes over funding. Mr Healey revealed that he received a financial settlement for the Dip on Monday afternoon, which he described as “falls well short of what is required.” He noted that extra support would only come after 2030, despite the “imperative to speed up readiness to fight is in the first two years.”
Healey's Statement
He explained: “After explaining to you that I would not be able to accept a Dip settlement that does not give our forces the resources they need, I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation as your defence secretary.”
The resignation highlights ongoing tensions within the government over defence spending priorities. Mr Healey's departure raises questions about the future of the Dip and the UK's commitment to bolstering its armed forces amid global threats.
