John Healey has resigned as Defence Secretary in a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, launching a scathing attack on the government's handling of military investment. In a strongly-worded resignation letter, Mr Healey accused the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of failing to commit necessary funds to safeguard the nation, leaving the armed forces exposed and Britain at greater risk.
Healey's accusations
Mr Healey argued that long-overdue plans for military investment would leave the armed forces vulnerable, especially given the escalating threat of a Russian assault on Britain. He claimed that Starmer had been unable, and the Treasury unwilling, to commit resources needed to defend the country. The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is already more than six months behind schedule, sparking fierce disputes between ministers over financing.
Resignation letter highlights
In his letter, Mr Healey stated: "You spelled out the threats last week: 'it is our intelligence assessment, and the assessment of other countries in NATO, that there could be an attack by Russia on NATO as soon as 2030.'" He added that without a DIP meeting the moment, he would be forced to make decisions reducing the readiness of forces and increasing risk to personnel.
He also directed criticism towards Chancellor Reeves, suggesting the PM failed to secure necessary funding. Healey noted that cross-government work completed in January confirmed the scale of the challenge, but since then, demands had increased further, along with UK commitments to allies.
Government response
Moments before Healey's resignation emerged, a No10 spokesperson said: "The plan is still being finalised." She declined to specify a publication date, noting that Mr Starmer had pledged to release it ahead of the NATO summit starting July 7.
Full resignation letter
In his full letter, Healey expressed pride in achievements under the Labour Government, including leading internationally for Ukraine, raising defence investment to 2.5% of GDP, launching defence reforms, and signing major defence agreements. However, he criticised the DIP financial settlement, which he said falls well short of requirements, rising to just 2.68% of GDP in 2030, when threats demand a headmark of 3% by that year.
Healey concluded: "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."
