Starmer’s woes worsen as 2 UK ministers quit over military spending
The sudden exits of John Healey and Al Carns leave the UK prime minister’s authority reeling with challengers in the wings
Britain’s defence and armed forces ministers quit on Thursday in a row over military spending, piling pressure on beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer who was facing calls to step down.
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned warning that Starmer’s long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP) for funding over the next decade – which the leader has yet to publish – risked making Britain “less safe”.
In the evening, Al Carns became the second senior figure in defence to quit, resigning as armed forces minister, along with Healey aide Pamela Nash.
The resignations weaken Starmer’s authority at a precarious moment, a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him.
“You have 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,” Healey wrote in a resignation letter to Starmer posted on his X account.
“After explaining to you that I would not be able to accept a DIP settlement that does not give our Forces the resources they need, I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation.”