Donald Trump · United Kingdom · Pentagon · U.S. Treasury · Iran · Fortune Technology
Britain’s own (former) Defense Secretary just agreed
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U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey unexpectedly quit on Thursday, saying the government is unwilling to spend enough on the military at a time of “rising threats.” The resignation dealt another blow to embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already facing demands from Labour colleagues to step down.
Key facts
- Starmer has pledged to boost U.K. defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2035
- He said that the spending plan put forward by the Treasury, and presented to him on Monday, would see defense spending rise to 2.68% in 2030, after hitting 2.6% next year
- Healey has been U.K. defense secretary since the Labour Party government was elected in July 2024, and he’s regarded as a capable and serious minister
- The U.K. military is also seeking to reverse years of decline in the face of an increasingly assertive Russia, which fully invaded its neighbor Ukraine on Feb
Summary
U.K. Healey told Starmer in a letter that the government’s Defense Investment Plan falls “well short of what is required at this dangerous time.” Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury. Starmer said in a letter to Healey that he was sorry to see him go, but insisted that the funding plan would provide the necessary military resources to keep the United Kingdom safe. “The increases in spending that underpin this plan will be sustainable and fair,” Starmer said.