British Defence secretary quits over armed forces funding

Mr Healey said the British Prime Minister had been “unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats”.

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary citing inadequate funding for the Defence Investment Plan. (Kin Cheung/PA)

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026 - 12:51

Christopher McKeon, Helen Corbett and Sophie Wingate, Press Association

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary, accusing Keir Starmer of failing to properly fund the Defence Investment Plan (Dip).

In a letter to Mr Starmer, Mr Healey said the British Prime Minister had been “unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats”.