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Defense Secretary John Healey Quits Over Military Funding Row. Defense Secretary John Healey has resigned from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government after a dispute over defence spending. In his resignation letter, Healey said the government had failed to provide the resources needed to protect the country during a period of rising global threats. He warned that the proposed Defence Investment Plan would leave Britain’s armed forces underfunded and could weaken military readiness. Healey said he could not support a settlement that fell short of what the military requires and therefore had no option but to step down. The resignation comes ahead of a key by-election that could strengthen the position of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a potential rival to Starmer. Labour MPs praised Healey’s decision, with several describing it as an act of principle rather than politics. The move also highlights growing tensions between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over future military spending plans. Prime Minister Starmer has pledged to increase defence spending, but Healey argued the proposed increase does not go far enough.
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