Three senior defence figures, including former ministers John Healey and Al Carns, and Chief of Defence Staff Rich Knighton, have criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for underfunding the military. They argue the current defence investment plan is insufficient for future operations and alliances, urging for radical policy changes and increased spending.
UK's chief of defence staff warns armed forces must "dial back" training and operations without increased funding. Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over inadequate cash settlement, citing risks to personnel and readiness. Government plans to reach 3.5% defence spending by 2035 are under review.
Britain's military may have to scale back operations and exercises in the coming years if the Ministry of Defence doesn't receive additional funding. Chief of Defence Staff, Rich Knighton, expressed concern over day-to-day budgets, noting a shift from capital to resource spending over two decades.
A Russian oil tanker, the Smyrtos, was seized by Royal Marines off the Isle of Wight on Sunday after being monitored for days on suspicion of using a false flag. The seizure occurred amid political pressure following a resignation over defence spending.
UK Defence Minister John Healey's resignation, alongside armed forces minister Al Carns, signals leadership ambition and exposes the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal's political fragility. The move left Australian ministers waiting, highlighting AUKUS as a political stunt rather than a policy-driven initiative.
New UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis will review a controversial defence investment plan (Dip) and may seek more funds from the Treasury. This follows the resignation of the former Defence Secretary John Healey over funding disagreements, casting a shadow over the upcoming G7 summit.
UK cabinet ministers are searching for additional funds to increase defence spending following the resignation of former defence secretary John Healey. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed departments are in talks with the Treasury to find more money for defence, as the new defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, works on an alternative plan before the Nato summit.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed ongoing government discussions on defence funding following the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and junior minister Al Carns over spending concerns. The delayed defence investment plan is being re-examined.
New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the government must increase defence spending to meet rising threats, despite fiscal constraints. His predecessor resigned over insufficient funding for the defence investment plan.
Labour Defence Secretary John Healey resigned Thursday, citing the Prime Minister's failure to adequately fund the defence budget. Healey publicly stated the PM's decisions put the country at risk, a move seen as a severe blow to the government's credibility and security record. The dispute stems from a commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, a promise made without securing the necessary funds.
Former defence secretary John Healey privately advocated for the UK to join the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), an initiative led by Canada. Allies claim the Treasury blocked the move, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves reportedly unwilling to pay the £870m upfront investment. The DSRB aims to fund defence projects at low costs and is expected to launch at a Nato summit.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over military spending disagreements, accusing PM Keir Starmer of risking national security. Starmer admits he must "turn things around" after poor election results, while the US expresses concern over UK defence contributions.
A significant dispute over defence spending has erupted in the UK government, with critics arguing that insufficient funds are allocated to meet evolving threats and existing commitments. The resignation of a minister highlights deep divisions between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence regarding budget allocations, potentially impacting the readiness and capabilities of the armed forces.
Former Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, accusing PM Keir Starmer of lacking authority to challenge Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The resignation highlights a growing tension between Starmer and Reeves, despite their public unity, over defence spending and economic policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he would fight to keep his job following Defence Minister John Healey's resignation, rejecting the idea he had lost authority and citing financial constraints as a challenge for any potential replacement.
John Healey resigned as UK Defence Secretary after being offered a £13.5bn increase in defence spending over four years, which he deemed insufficient. Chancellor Rachel Reeves resorted to budget cuts and departmental reserves to fund the MoD's demand for £18.5bn. The situation highlights the challenge of funding Labour's defence spending pledges, with options of spending cuts, tax rises, or borrowing all facing political hurdles.
El ministro de Defensa británico, John Healey, dimitió acusando al primer ministro Keir Starmer de indecisión y debilidad, poniendo en riesgo la seguridad del Reino Unido. La renuncia se debió a la falta de compromiso del Tesoro para financiar el Plan de Inversión en Defensa, a pesar de las crecientes amenazas globales.
Dan Jarvis ersetzt John Healey als Verteidigungsminister nach dessen Rücktritt im Streit über den Verteidigungsetat, während Premierminister Keir Starmer weiter unter Druck steht.
Dan Jarvis, ein Sicherheitsexperte mit Militärerfahrung, ist nach dem Rücktritt von John Healey neuer Verteidigungsminister Großbritanniens.
Donald Trump a été hué lors de la finale NBA au Madison Square Garden de New York, tandis que le parti italien Futuro Nazionale, crédité de 4,5% dans les sondages, double son nombre de députés, compliquant les espoirs de réélection de Giorgia Meloni.
John Healey resigned as UK Defence Secretary due to a funding dispute with the Treasury over the Defence Investment Plan (Dip). The offered funds were deemed insufficient to meet NATO spending targets and key project commitments, including the Aukus submarine program.
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, accusing Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves of risking national security due to insufficient defence investment. Healey stated the proposed Defence Investment Plan (DIP) lacked necessary resources, prompting his departure.
La démission surprise de John Healey, ministre de la Défense britannique, expose les faiblesses de Keir Starmer, son indécision et son incapacité à tenir ses promesses concernant le financement des budgets militaires.
British Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over the conflict between funding a generous welfare state and maintaining a capable military. The resignation highlights internal party divisions.
