Good Morning Britain hosts Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway delivered breaking news live on air on Friday, dealing what has been described as a 'damning blow' to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The presenters shared an important update during the latest live broadcast from the ITV studio on June 12.
Breaking Developments
During the programme, Ranvir revealed breaking developments after the hosts spoke with former Armed Forces minister Al Carns. The MP had stepped down on Thursday, June 11, informing Sir Keir Starmer that the defence investment plan (DIP) was 'neither transformative enough nor sufficiently funded'. This comes after John Healey's departure as Defence Secretary.
'Good morning Britain, breaking news. Newly resigned Armed Forces minister Al Carns has told this programme that the government can support the NHS and fund the armed forces,' Ranvir stated, according to the Daily Star. 'He quit yesterday with blazing criticism of the prime minister's military spending plans. He said, "The defence of this nation must be the prime minister's priority."'
Devastating Blow to Starmer
The presenter went on: 'The prime minister's authority has been dealt a devastating blow after two members of his government dramatically resigned.' In a blistering resignation letter, the now former Defence Secretary John Healey accused his boss of forcing him to make decisions that, in his words, 'Could make the country less safe.'
Kate added: 'And in the last few minutes, the Armed Forces minister Al Carns, who also quit yesterday, has spoken to us and told us that the country must be protected above all else, but that the government does not have to choose between welfare or warfare.'
Reaction from Downing Street
Reporter Mahatir Pasha, speaking live from outside 10 Downing Street, then revealed: 'This really is a damning blow for the prime minister, and, of course, the double resignation comes as his adversaries appear to be circling in. His former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, is widely expected to launch a leadership challenge. Andy Burnham, possibly doing the same, should he win the crucial Makerfield by-election next week.' Mahatir further noted that 'things have just gotten worse' for Keir Starmer.
The departures extended beyond John Healey and Al Carns, with Labour MP Pamela Nash also stepping down as Healey's parliamentary assistant at the Ministry of Defence, while MP Rachel Hopkins also resigned, according to the Press Association.
Starmer's Response
In a statement, Keir Starmer said: 'I will always do what is needed to keep our country safe... The Defence Investment Plan does just that - delivering an unprecedented increase in defence spending in a sustainable way. Strong public finances are part of what keeps us safe - irresponsible borrowing only puts that at risk.'
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
