John Healey has resigned as defence secretary in a fresh blow to Sir Keir Starmer amid a row over defence spending. The resignation comes after the Prime Minister yesterday refused to rule out tax hikes to fund defence spending.
Healey's Resignation Letter
Healey posted his letter of resignation on Twitter, stating his decision to step down from the cabinet. The move adds to the mounting pressure on Starmer's leadership.
Prime Minister's Questions Clash
During Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Starmer on whether taxpayers should expect an increase in taxes to fund defence. Starmer declined to respond directly, instead pointing to the Conservatives' record in office and accusing them of causing damage to the armed forces.
Badenoch said: "There is still no defence investment plan. He is the Prime Minister now, at least I think he is – should I be calling Andy Burnham instead to ask these questions? He is the Prime Minister, and the reason that he's dithering is because he doesn't know where the money is coming from. The military is waiting, the bond markets are watching. He has only three options: cutting spending, more borrowing, or higher taxes. We know that the Chancellor wants to put up tax to pay for it. Will the Prime Minister rule out raising taxes?"
Starmer responded: "When they left office, 47 out of 49 major defence contracts were delayed or over budget. That is what we are fixing. You can't just scrub away and forget. I know they want to forget the last 14 years in power, so do the British public. That's why they're sitting over there."
Defence Investment Plan Delayed
The Government's defence investment plan is due to be published ahead of the Nato summit in Turkey, which begins on July 7. It was originally slated for publication last autumn but has been repeatedly delayed.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
