John Healey has resigned as Defence Secretary, citing the government's offered increase in defense spending as insufficient to meet the UK's security needs and reverse the "hollowing out" of the armed forces. The BBC understands that Healey had been pressing the prime minister for a larger increase than the one ultimately proposed.
The prime minister offered an additional £13.5 billion over the next four years, which defense sources indicated would amount to a £10 billion increase after accounting for what they described as "Treasury trickery." This figure was presented as taking spending from 2.6% of GDP to 2.68% by 2030. However, Healey had been seeking a more substantial commitment, reportedly pushing for the government to hit a 3% of GDP target by 2030, an ambition the government has stated it supports.
Sources close to Healey suggested the offered increase, which amounted to a 0.08% rise, was well short of the estimated £28 billion needed to avert significant cuts to military investment. Healey reportedly told the prime minister that the proposed plan would effectively result in cuts due to escalating demands on the military, including support for Ukraine, protecting Gulf allies from Iranian attacks, and deterring Russian aggression in the Arctic.
Allies and the defense industry had been urging the government to match its words with concrete actions regarding defense funding. Healey's resignation is seen as a significant development at a time of heightened international instability. While some have praised his decision, others within the Ministry of Defence noted that the department's budget was already overcommitted, a situation exacerbated by previous strategic defense reviews that increased unfunded ambitions.
The core issue, according to defense sources, was securing agreement on the defense investment plan, specifically the allocation of additional funds. Healey's departure underscores the challenge of reconciling national security commitments with budgetary constraints and increases pressure on the prime minister, making the government appear weaker.