UK Defence Secretary Quits Over Spending Dispute With Starmer

John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary on 11 June 2026, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of insufficient military investment. The move marks a rare public split within Labour's Cabinet over defence funding. Healey had served since Labour's 2024 election victory, overseeing a department navigating a major recapitalisation. His resignation came days after the government announced a Defence Investment Plan, suggesting the plan's content—not its absence—prompted his objection. Dan Jarvis, a former Army officer, was appointed the same day.