British Defense Minister Resigns because Military Funding is Insufficient

JAKARTA - British Defense Minister John Healey unexpectedly resigned on Thursday, saying the government was unwilling to allocate enough funds for the military amid "growing threats."

The resignation is another blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer who is under pressure, already facing demands from Labour colleagues to step down.

Healey told Starmer in a letter the government's Defence Investment Plan was "far from what is needed at this perilous time."

Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the Defense Ministry and the Finance Ministry.

PM Starmer has promised to increase Britain's defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3 per cent by 2034. But many in the military say it's not fast enough.

"You are unable, and the Ministry of Finance is unwilling, to allocate the resources the country needs to defend the country at this time of increased threats," Healey wrote in his resignation letter, launching Al Arabiya from The Associated Press (11/6).

Healey further said that the spending plan proposed by the Ministry of Finance would only increase defense spending to 2.68 percent in 2030, after reaching 2.6 percent next year.

Healey said that was not enough given the increased demands on the defense and the British military's commitment, citing the Iran war, Russia's massive invasion of Ukraine, and threats from Moscow.

"Now I have no other choice but to resign," he said.

Healey is known to have served as the British Defense Minister since the Labor Party government was elected in July 2024, and he is considered a capable and serious minister.

He has played a key role in increasing international support for Ukraine and assembling a multinational coalition to help ensure security if a ceasefire is reached.

Healey also helped lead a maritime security force that would help keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping if the Iran war ended.

It is known that the UK and other NATO member states have been under pressure from US President Donald Trump to increase military spending.

President Trump has long questioned the value of the military alliance and complained that the United States provides security to European countries that do not contribute enough.

The British military is also trying to reverse years of decline in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia, which fully invaded its neighbor, Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, and is increasingly testing the defenses of European countries with open and covert activities.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who was informed of Healey's resignation by the Associated Press during a news conference in Brussels, said Healey was someone he "deeply respected."

"What we see across the alliance is that countries are increasing their defense investments, and of course that is not easy, because in the end there is always an exchange with other spending, which is also important," said Rutte.

Healey's resignation is likely to further fuel talk that Starmer's days as prime minister are numbered.

After his reputation was tarnished by a series of mistakes since Labour returned to power less than two years ago, PM Starmer faces calls from within his party to step down.

He seems to have failed to bridge the gap between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance led by Rachel Reeves regarding defense spending.

Greater Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, is widely expected to challenge Starmer for the leadership if he returns to Parliament in a by-election on June 18.