Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning that internal divisions within the Labour Party are undermining the government's credibility. In a speech to the Good Growth Foundation, Healey criticised colleagues jockeying for leadership positions, saying the party has turned in on itself since the May elections.
Without naming names, Healey appeared to target figures such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, former health secretary Wes Streeting, and junior defence minister Al Carns. Burnham has been pictured jogging since indicating a return to Westminster, while Streeting resigned last week to spark a leadership contest, complaining of a 'vacuum' in vision. Carns claimed expenses for promotional videos, including one showing him doing pull-ups.
Healey stressed that Labour must focus on national interests, not internal politics. 'Right now, the very credibility of Labour in government is at stake,' he said. 'We must get serious. It’s not about us, not about the insiders of politics, it’s about the interests of the country.'
On defence, Healey confirmed spending would rise to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, predicting over half a million Britons would work in defence firms within a decade. However, the long-delayed defence investment plan remains unpublished, with programmes overspent by up to £18bn. Healey promised the plan soon but stressed it must be properly budgeted.
He also attacked political rivals, accusing Reform UK of being backed by 'pro-Russian cronies' and the Greens of wanting to 'shut down the defence industry'.
