Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting calls to resign from senior Labour figures, who say his reputation is in tatters following the resignation of former defence secretary John Healey. Harriet Harman, Labour's former deputy leader, described Healey's departure as "a massive body blow" to the government.
Harman: Starmer's Legacy Ruined
Speaking to Sky News, Baroness Harman said Sir Keir had previously stated that the first duty of a prime minister is to keep the country safe. However, she noted that Healey's resignation letter argued that Starmer was making the country less safe, which she called "devastating." Harman added that even critics had praised Starmer for supporting Ukraine and NATO, but his reputation was now in ruins, undermining his work abroad and at home.
MPs Call for Resignation
Veteran Labour MP Graham Stringer described Sir Keir as a "dead Prime Minister walking," stating he had no future and would be remembered as an unpatriotic leader who failed to ensure military safety. Tom Watson, another former deputy leader and defence minister, said the defence establishment is angry, the budget is short, and the government is wounded.
Tan Dhesi, Labour chair of the Commons Defence Committee, said leaks indicated the government's defence spending plans were insufficient. He praised Healey for understanding the scale of threats and the urgent need to strengthen the Armed Forces.
Cabinet Minister Defends Plan
Despite the criticism, Business Secretary Peter Kyle defended Sir Keir's defence investment plan, though he admitted he had not seen all of it. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Kyle said the government had put a lot of effort into getting the plan right.
