Defence secretary quits with ‘blistering’ swipe at Starmer - The Latest

The resignation of Defence Secretary John Healy has sent shockwaves through the UK political landscape, with his blistering public statement accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to commit to national security due to insufficient defence spending. Healy’s resignation is not just a personal departure but a direct challenge to Starmer’s leadership, claiming the government’s fiscal constraints—particularly from the Treasury—are putting the country at risk. The core dispute centers on a £14–15 billion offer from the Treasury, only £10 billion of which was new money and largely backdated, falling far short of the £18 billion Healy sought. This gap threatens major defence projects like GCAP (new fighter jets) and AUKUS (nuclear submarines), both critical to UK military capability and geopolitical influence. The fallout is particularly damaging because Starmer has repeatedly positioned himself as a strong global leader committed to defence, yet now his own defence secretary says he lacks the will—or power—to act. Compounding the crisis, Healy explicitly accused Starmer of being unable to overrule his Chancellor, implying weakness and indecision. While some speculate Healy may be positioning himself for future leadership, the resignation appears rooted in genuine principle. With no clear path to bridge the funding gap—especially under strict fiscal rules and high borrowing costs—Starmer faces mounting pressure, and the episode may mark a turning point in his premiership.