John Healey resigns as the UK’s defence secretary after a dispute with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP). Healey says No.10 and the Treasury offered a funding package that would increase defence spending from 2.6% of GDP next year to 2.68% in 2030—an additional £13.5 billion to 2030—which he argues falls short of what armed forces leaders and he sought. He warns that accepting the plan would require decisions that reduce readiness and increase risk to personnel.
Starmer rejects Healey’s account, saying the government is already funding defence sufficiently and that the DIP provides resources for “big strategic investments”, modernisation and long-term planning for industry. Starmer also says defence spending is rising and highlights an increase since 2024.
Healey’s resignation triggers further cabinet departures: his deputy and others resign in protest of the DIP. Starmer then appoints Dan Jarvis as defence secretary. Cabinet minister Lisa Nandy says discussions continue to find additional money for the DIP, and that further funding may require cuts elsewhere. The episode comes with NATO-facing planning underway and wider political pressure around whether the government’s defence strategy and spending are adequate.
