UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over military spending dispute

UK Defence Secretary John Healey formally resigned on Thursday, according to a letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and posted on platform X. In the letter, Healey accused the Prime Minister of failing to commit the necessary resources to protect the country.

He wrote: “You have been unable, and the Treasury unwilling, to commit the resources the nation needs to defend the country at a time of rising threats.” The resignation follows months of deadlocked negotiations between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over how to meet demands for expanded military spending, which have delayed the UK's Defence Investment Plan since last year.

The delay has angered the UK defence industry, as companies say they cannot invest in long-term programmes for national security amid major geopolitical turbulence and the US shift away from defending Europe. The development is sending shockwaves through British politics, with more details expected in the coming days.