Keir Starmer says the UK will raise defence spending by £15bn over four years, funded by cuts to other government investment budgets. The plan would lift annual defence spending to nearly £80bn by 2029, though critics say it falls short of what the armed forces need.
Posts tagged as “John Healey”
Keir Starmer has resigned as British prime minister and Labour leader after a revolt by his own MPs. His departure follows plunging approval ratings, policy U-turns, scandals and heavy Labour election losses.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will resign as Labour leader after mounting pressure from his own lawmakers. Andy Burnham, who returned to Parliament last week, is the frontrunner to replace him.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned after rejecting the government’s military funding plan, saying it would leave the armed forces under-resourced and could make the country less safe. The BBC reported he had pushed for defense spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2030 but was offered a smaller increase.
John Healey resigned as Britain’s defence secretary, saying Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury had failed to provide the resources needed for national defence. His departure is the sixth ministerial resignation since Labour’s poor election showing last month.
Three Royal Navy personnel died when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton in Devon. Authorities said an investigation is under way and the victims’ families have requested time before further details are released.