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UK Defense Secretary John Healey resigned on June 11, 2026, after criticizing the government’s defense spending plans, saying they do not provide the resources needed to address growing security threats.

In a resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Healey said the government’s long-awaited Defense Investment Plan (DIP) “falls well short of what is required for defense and the country at this dangerous time.” He added that he could no longer remain in office after reviewing the final funding proposal.

Healey wrote that he had warned the prime minister he could not support a plan that failed to provide adequate resources for the armed forces and therefore had “no other option than to submit my resignation.”

The former defense secretary argued that Britain faces increasing security challenges, particularly from Russia, and requires greater investment in military readiness over the next few years.

According to Healey, the current spending plan would increase defense expenditure to 2.68% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. However, he noted that defense spending is already expected to reach 2.6% next year, meaning the additional increase would be minimal despite worsening security conditions.

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/j9z9nmLCb1

— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) June 11, 2026

He also criticized the timing of future funding increases, saying that the greatest need for investment is immediate rather than several years away.

“Without a defense investment plan that meets the moment in this way, I am being forced to make decisions that would reduce the readiness of our forces, increase risks to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe,” Healey wrote.

Long Delays in Investments

The Defense Investment Plan has been delayed for months as government departments and the Treasury debated funding levels. The plan is intended to strengthen Britain’s military capabilities and improve readiness, but has not yet been formally published.

The delay comes ahead of an upcoming NATO summit, where allies are expected to discuss increased defense spending and preparedness in response to evolving security threats in Europe.

Healey emphasized that cross-government reviews completed earlier this year had already identified the need for greater investment, but said those recommendations were not reflected in the final budget settlement.

Political Pressure on Starmer

Healey’s resignation represents another setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, which has faced growing internal criticism and political pressure in recent weeks.

The departure makes Healey one of several ministers to leave the government in a short period, adding to concerns about stability within the ruling Labour administration.

In response, Starmer defended the government’s approach and stated that the Defense Investment Plan would provide the military with the resources necessary to keep the country secure. Government officials also pointed to what they described as the largest increase in UK defense spending since the Cold War.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn publicly backed the prime minister, saying the investment plan required difficult decisions but reflected the government’s commitment to national security.

Questions Over Future Military Programs

The funding dispute has also raised questions about Britain’s commitment to major defense projects, including the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter aircraft initiative being developed jointly with Japan and Italy.

The UK recently approved a temporary three-month contract to keep work on the program moving while awaiting final budget decisions.

Defense partners are expected to closely watch the finalized investment plan to determine whether long-term funding for the project will continue.

International Reaction

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed support for Healey following the resignation, saying he understood the concerns over defense funding and faced similar budget pressures in Italy.

Crosetto said many of Healey’s observations reflected challenges shared by other European governments attempting to strengthen their militaries while managing broader economic pressures.

Healey’s resignation has intensified debate over Britain’s defense priorities as NATO members continue to face calls to increase military spending amid heightened tensions with Russia.

A report by the UK House of Commons Defense Select Committee previously warned that Britain lacked a comprehensive plan for homeland defense and that its ability to maintain its position as one of Europe’s leading military powers was under increasing strain.

The publication of the government’s final Defense Investment Plan is now expected to be closely watched both domestically and by international allies, as it will shape Britain’s military posture and long-term defense commitments in the years ahead.