UK Defense Secretary John Healey has unexpectedly resigned, stating that the government is not willing to spend enough on the military at a time of rising threats. Healey’s resignation is another blow to embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already facing demands from Labour colleagues to step down.

Defense Spending Concerns

Healey told Starmer in a letter that the government’s Defense Investment Plan falls well short of what is required at this dangerous time. The plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the defense ministry and the Treasury. Starmer has pledged to boost UK defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2034, but many in the military say that isn’t fast enough.

Healey’s resignation is likely to further stoke talk that Starmer’s days as prime minister are numbered. Already bruised by a series of missteps since Labour returned to power less than two years ago, Starmer has faced calls within his party’s ranks to stand down. He appears to have been unable to bridge the gap between Healey’s department and Treasury chief Rachel Reeves over defense spending.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.