UK Defence Secretary Resigns Over Spending as NATO Raises the Bar to 2.5%

John Healey quit as UK Defence Secretary on 11 June, citing inadequate defence spending—a public clash with the Prime Minister on budget. His departure carries weight at a precise moment: NATO members are shifting the credible spending baseline from 2% to 2.5% of GDP or higher. The resignation signals to NATO partners and the military that the British government may fall short of alliance expectations. Who replaces Healey will indicate whether the government plans to raise defence investment.