When a defence secretary publicly says the prime minister's decisions are putting the country at risk, it is about as bad as it gets. On Thursday, John Healey resigned as defence secretary, followed within hours by Al Carns, the armed forces minister. Their departures have plunged Sir Keir Starmer's government into its deepest crisis yet, raising questions about his leadership and the UK's commitment to military spending.
The resignations stem from a bitter row over the government's Defence Investment Plan (DIP), a long-delayed blueprint for funding new equipment and infrastructure over the next decade. Healey told the prime minister the financial settlement, finalised on Monday, "falls way short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time". In his resignation letter, he accused Starmer of being "unable" and the Treasury "unwilling" to commit the resources needed. Healey said he was being forced to make decisions that "would reduce the readiness of our forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations". He had pressed for a target of 3% of GDP to be spent on defence by 2030, but was rebuffed.
“Explaining the resignations of John Healey and Al Carns over defence spending and the threat to Keir Starmer's leadership.”
Al Carns, a former Royal Marine, was equally blunt. He wrote that the DIP "is not built for the threat we face" and called for "a new way of governing and we need it now". In his first interview after quitting, Carns said the military could find itself in difficulty "in the next two to three years should we be tested". He argued the plan lacked innovation and lessons from Ukraine. Starmer quickly appointed Dan Jarvis, the security minister and a former British Army officer, to replace Healey. But the damage is severe. One cabinet minister told the BBC everyone would be "shaken" by Healey's exit. Another insider joked grimly: "It's been a really hard week – stronger words could be used."
This is not just about defence; it is about Starmer's authority. Healey was as loyal a Labour politician as you could meet, making his resignation a brutal judgement. It illustrates, as one former Labour cabinet minister suggested, that "Keir has never got control of the Treasury, even though he's meant to be in charge". The crisis unfolds against poor election results at the beginning of May and dozens of MPs calling for Starmer to quit. At least two leadership contenders are raring to go. If Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wins a by-election in Makerfield, he is widely expected to challenge for the leadership.
For UK readers, the row matters directly. Defence spending affects national security, the UK's standing in Nato, and the safety of troops. Starmer's remaining loyalists have often cited his record on security as his strongest card. Healey's exit "has just blown a giant hole in that remaining flank of protection", notes the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. The prime minister now faces a choice: rewrite the DIP in light of the criticism, or stick by his pledge to publish it ahead of next month's Nato summit. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said he had "faith" in the prime minister and chancellor to deliver, but when asked if Starmer would still be leader by the next election, he declined to answer directly.
Q: Why did John Healey resign? He resigned because he believed the government's defence spending settlement was too low, leaving the country less safe. He wanted a commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, but the prime minister and chancellor were unwilling to agree.
Q: What is the Defence Investment Plan (DIP)? It is a 10-year plan to fund new military equipment and infrastructure, initially expected in autumn of last year but repeatedly delayed. Critics say it lacks innovation and is not adapted to current threats, partly because it fails to learn from the war in Ukraine.
Q: Could Keir Starmer be replaced as Labour leader? Yes, the leadership is under serious threat. Dozens of MPs have said he should quit, and at least two contenders are ready to stand. Andy Burnham is seen as a likely challenger if he wins a by-election. However, Starmer loyalists argue his security credentials make him indispensable.
What happens next is uncertain. Starmer must decide whether to overhaul the DIP before the Nato summit. Al Carns has called for "bold and courageous decisions" on funding, including a debate on welfare spending. The prime minister's survival may depend on whether he can placate his party and restore confidence in his leadership before the next general election.