In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Starmer, Minister Healey stressed that the Government's defense investment plan had fallen “well short” of the levels required at this dangerous time.
The publication of the investment plan in question had been postponed for a while due to budget disputes between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance.
A few hours after Healey's resignation, Deputy Defense Secretary and war veteran Al Carns also resigned from his position and announced that he would not defend the inadequate investment plan. Carns' name is among the candidates in a possible race against Starmer's leadership.
In his response to Healey, Prime Minister Starmer said he regretted his departure but argued that the Budget provided for “sustainable and fair” spending increases that would keep the country safe. After resigning, Starmer appointed Security Minister Dan Jarvis as the new Defense Minister.
Criticisms: “Too little, too late”
Prime Minister Starmer had promised to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027 and to 3 percent by 2035. But military officials say that timeline is not moving fast enough.
Healey explained that in the plan drawn up by the Treasury and presented to him on Monday, defense spending will rise to 2.6 percent next year and only 2.68 percent in 2030.
He explained that these rates would not be enough to meet Britain's military commitments given the war in the Middle East, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and threats from Moscow.
Gen. Richard Barrons, who is leading the government's defense review, also argued that the government is “actively regressing” by refusing to fund the review he approved.
Barrons pointed out that this situation would weaken Britain's position within NATO and damage its credibility with its allies.
The departure of an experienced name and Starmer's position
John Healey, who has been defense secretary since Labor came to power in July 2024, was considered one of the most experienced names in the cabinet.
Healey played an important role in strengthening international support for Ukraine and forming the multinational coalition to ensure security in the event of a possible ceasefire.
He also led a multinational maritime security mission aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to maritime traffic in the event of an end to the war in the Middle East.
Britain and other NATO members are also under strong pressure from US President Donald Trump to increase military spending.
Prime Minister Starmer's failure to resolve the budget crisis between the Defense Department and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, which has been marred by various political setbacks since his appointment, led to comments that he had lost his influence within the party.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer's leadership when he returns to Parliament in a by-election on June 18.
Bir yanıt yazın