UK Defence Minister John Healey resigns over budget dispute, deepening crisis for Starmer

Resignation and accusations

On Thursday, John Healey posted his resignation letter on X. He said Premier Keir Starmer and the Treasury had not provided the funds necessary to defend the country in a period of growing threats.

You were unable, and the Treasury was unwilling, to provide the funds the country needs for its defence in this time of growing threats.

Healey cited the UK's leadership of the Ukraine support coalition, participation in a multinational mission in the Strait of Hormuz, and NATO's Arctic mission as intensifying security demands. He also referenced an intelligence assessment that a Russian attack on NATO could be possible as early as 2030.

Budget standoff

The departure follows months of wrangling over the Defence Investment Plan. Healey had demanded roughly £18 billion in additional funding, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves offered only £12 billion. Starmer increased the offer to around £15 billion, partly funded by cuts in other departments.

The funding offered falls far short of what is required for defence and the country in this dangerous time.

The current plan projects defence spending at 2.68 percent of GDP by 2030, well below Healey's target of 3 percent. The UK has also committed to reaching 3.5 percent by 2035 at a NATO summit.

Political blow to Starmer

The resignation is a severe setback for Starmer, who is already under pressure after Labour's poor results in May's local and regional elections. Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit in mid-May and declared his intention to challenge Starmer for the party leadership. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is positioning to mount a challenge; he could enter Parliament via a by-election in Makerfield as early as next Thursday. Observers say Starmer's chances of survival are shrinking.

I am forced to make decisions that would reduce the readiness of our armed forces, increase the risk to people on operations, and make the country less safe.

Spending shortfall in numbers

Healey's request

18

Treasury offer

12

Starmer's compromise

15

Healey's request

18 £ bn

Treasury offer

12 £ bn

Starmer's compromise

15 £ bn