John Healey criticized the Treasury in his resignation statement, responding to Keir Starmer’s indication of no defense budget increase. The former Defence Secretary, who recently left the government, reiterated his call for the UK to allocate 3% of GDP to defense by 2030. He took a swipe at Chancellor Rachel Reeves, stating that adversaries do not adhere to Treasury timelines.
In a serious warning, Healey expressed to MPs in Parliament that the current military spending plans of the government are inadequate given the global uncertainties. He emphasized the importance of meeting defense investment requirements for the security of the armed forces and alliances.
Having stepped down from his position after a decade and now sitting on the backbenches alongside Labour MP Al Carns, who also resigned from the Ministry of Defence, Healey emphasized the necessity of his resignation in securing the future of the armed forces and partnerships. He emphasized the urgency of meeting the 3% defense spending commitment by 2030, citing the increasing number of NATO members meeting or surpassing this threshold.
Healey’s successor, Labour MP Dan Jarvis, is working to salvage the Defense Investment Plan before the upcoming Nato summit in July. The plan, delayed by over six months and disrupted by Healey’s resignation, faced criticism for the minimal 0.08% increase in defense spending, which Healey deemed insufficient to address the weakening of the UK’s military strength over the years.
Healey clarified that his decision to resign was driven by national interests rather than personal career considerations. He reflected on his tenure with pride and highlighted the need for substantial defense investments to meet future challenges effectively.
The statements made by Healey and Carns in Parliament coincided with Starmer’s indication at the G7 summit in Evian, France, that there would not be additional funds beyond the existing Defense Investment Plan. Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing defense spending compared to the previous administration’s cuts to the armed forces.
Starmer mentioned ongoing discussions with the new Defense Secretary, Dan Jarvis, regarding potential changes to the allocation of defense funds. He highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening defense capabilities and priorities through reallocating resources, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bolstering defense spending.
