London, June 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday following a dispute with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury over defence spending, dealing a significant blow to the Labour government amid mounting political and economic challenges.
In a resignation letter shared on X, Healey said he could no longer remain in office after the government failed to provide the armed forces with the resources required to address growing security threats. He stated that a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, finalized earlier this year, had not received the financial commitments necessary to meet the country’s defence needs.
Healey criticized the latest version of the Defence Investment Plan presented to him this week, saying it “falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time.” He accused both the Prime Minister and the Treasury of failing to commit sufficient resources despite increasing international security challenges.
In his letter, Healey wrote that he had previously informed Starmer he would not accept a defence settlement that failed to adequately support Britain’s military capabilities. “I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation as your Defence Secretary,” he said.
Healey had served as Defence Secretary since July 2024, when the Labour Party won a landslide general election victory and returned to power. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping Britain’s defence policy and support for international security initiatives.
The resignation comes at a difficult time for Starmer’s government, which has faced declining public support amid economic stagnation and internal party tensions. Labour also suffered significant setbacks in recent local elections, prompting renewed calls from some party members for a change in leadership.
Political analysts say Healey’s departure is likely to intensify pressure on Starmer ahead of key international engagements and ongoing debates over the United Kingdom’s defence spending commitments and national security priorities.
