UK defense secretary abruptly resigns, saying government won't spend enough on military

By — Jill Lawless, Associated Press Jill Lawless, Associated Press By — Danica Kirka, Associated Press Danica Kirka, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/uk-defense-secretary-abruptly-resigns-saying-government-wont-spend-enough-on-military Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter UK defense secretary abruptly resigns, saying government won't spend enough on military World Jun 11, 2026 3:14 PM EDT LONDON (AP) — U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey unexpectedly quit on Thursday, saying the government is unwilling to spend enough on the military at a time of "rising threats." The resignation dealt another blow to embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already facing demands from Labour colleagues to step down. READ MORE: UK health secretary resigns, creating a potential power struggle with PM Keir Starmer Healey told Starmer in a letter that the government's Defense Investment Plan falls "well short of what is required at this dangerous time." Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury. Starmer said in a letter to Healey that he was sorry to see him go, but insisted that the funding plan would provide the necessary military resources to keep the United Kingdom safe. "The increases in spending that underpin this plan will be sustainable and fair," Starmer said. "They will mean significant reallocations of funding from across government departments and the right choices to protect our nation." Critics say too little, too late Starmer has pledged to boost U.K. defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2035. But many in the military say that isn't fast enough. "You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats," Healey wrote in his resignation letter. He said that the spending plan put forward by the Treasury, and presented to him on Monday, would see defense spending rise to just 2.68% in 2030, after hitting 2.6% next year. Healey said that isn't enough with growing demands on defense and British military commitments, citing the Iran war, Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine and threats from Moscow. "I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation," he said. Gen. Richard Barrons, who helped lead a defense review that underpins the investment plan, said the government is "actively going backwards" by refusing to fund its own review. "It diminishes the U.K.'s standing within NATO, weakens our credibility with allies, and increases our vulnerability to the realities of 21st-century conflict," he said. "Allies and adversaries alike will be paying attention." The government said that it was delivering "the largest sustained boost to defense spending since the Cold War." "This country is safer because of the decisions Keir Starmer has made a