John Healey has announced his resignation as the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence due to a dispute over the military budget, which he views as lower than what is actually required.
On Thursday, 11 Jun 2026 GMT+7, John Healey, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, announced his resignation amid conflicts over the government's military budget allocation plan. He accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of jeopardizing national security at a time when international threats are increasing.
In a fiery resignation letter that further undermines the already fragile political power of the prime minister, Healey stated that the awaited Defence Investment Plan (Dip) includes figures far below the minimum needed to protect the UK in such dangerous times.
Healey revealed that Starmer plans to increase defence spending by only 0.08% of GDP from next year until 2030, raising it from 2.6% to just 2.68%. He argued that this figure must reach 3% by 2030 to adequately meet the challenges ahead.
Previously, the UK government committed to raising defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 to align with NATO targets. Additionally, Starmer had expressed ambitions to increase the budget to 3% of GDP during the next parliamentary term.
Originally, the Defence Investment Plan (Dip) was scheduled for release today, but the publication has now been postponed.
"You lack the capability, and the Treasury is unwilling to allocate the resources the nation needs to defend the realm amid escalating threats," Healey wrote. "I cannot accept a Dip that fails to provide the resources our armed forces require. Therefore, I have no choice but to resign as your Defence Secretary."
He also recalled a warning Starmer made last week, noting that UK intelligence agencies assess that Russia could launch an attack on NATO member states as early as 2030.
Furthermore, Healey disclosed that he only received the final military budget plan from Starmer and Reeves this past Monday. Most of the additional funding was allocated toward the "later stages of the plan," despite operational pressures and urgent readiness needs occurring primarily within the first two years.
"Without a Defence Investment Plan that addresses these realities, I am forced to make decisions that will reduce our military's readiness and increase risks to personnel who serve to keep the country safe."
Healey's resignation comes at a particularly damaging time for Starmer, who is scheduled to attend the G7 summit in France next week and face a by-election in the Wakefield constituency on Thursday.
He will also travel to Ankara for the NATO summit in early July to discuss defence commitments.
The prime minister will want to appoint a new Defence Secretary as soon as possible. Dan Jarvis, the Security Minister, and Alok Sharma, the Army Minister, are considered leading candidates. However, Sharma has criticized the Defence Investment Plan for not meeting operational needs and suggested Starmer should reconsider it.
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Source:The Guardian