UK Defence Ministers Resign Over Funding Dispute

On 11 June 2026, Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned, saying the government’s budget “falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time.”

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Starmer’s Labour government, elected in 2024, boosted defence spending after Conservative cuts, reallocating aid funds. Rise is largest since Cold War. NATO allies press UK while intelligence warns Russia could attack NATO by 2030. Starmer pledged a 3.5 % of GDP defence share by 2035, though target appears as “20335” in documents.

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• Prime Minister Keir Starmer

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• Former Defence Secretary John Healey

Revolt against Keir Starmer as key defence figures resign

• Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns

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• Security Minister Dan Jarvis (new Defence Secretary)

Revolt against Keir Starmer as key defence figures resign

• Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, potential Labour challenger

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• Governing Labour Party

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• 2024 – Defence spending increased;

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• 2025 – 3.5 % GDP target set;

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• 10 June 2026 – Starmer addresses Parliament;

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• 11 June 2026 – Healey and Carn resign; Dan Jarvis appointed;

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• Late June – NATO summit; Makerfield by-election announced.

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Starmer said he was proud of defence record and described the Defence Investment Plan as a sustainable increase that “provides the military with resources while ensuring money is spent wisely and backs jobs and growth.” He noted “significant reallocations of funding” and cited UK leadership of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, Gulf allies and Strait of Hormuz. He appointed Dan Jarvis as Defence Secretary.

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Healey warned allocation “falls well short of what is required for defence and country at this dangerous time.” Carn said “the character of conflict is changing faster than our procurement can keep up with” and that forces operate on a “budget written for a calmer one.” Resignations have led Labour MPs to call for Starmer’s resignation and suggest Andy Burnham will challenge him after the Makerfield by-election.

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The target for defence spending appears as “3.5 % of GDP by 20335” in Starmer’s letter, creating a typographical discrepancy about the intended year. No specific defence budget figure is provided, and the “significant reallocations of funding” mentioned in the Defence Investment Plan lack detail.

Revolt against Keir Starmer as key defence figures resign

• “falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time.” — John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence

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• “We are asking our Armed Forces to operate in a more dangerous world on a budget written for a calmer one,” — Al Carns, Minister of State for the Armed Forces

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• “character of conflict is changing faster than our procurement can keep up with.” — Al Carns, Minister of State for the Armed Forces

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• “I will always do what is needed to keep our country safe,” — Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

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The defence portfolio will be presented at the NATO summit scheduled for late June, where the UK is expected to outline its updated funding plan. The Makerfield by-election, also due next week, could see Andy Burnham win, potentially prompting a formal leadership contest for Starmer.

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