Story perspectives

Defence Secretaries Resign Over Funding; Starmer Vows 3% GDP Spend

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Healey resigned as defence secretary on 11 June 2026, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of not funding the Defence Investment Plan.
Al Carns also resigned, intensifying the funding dispute.
Sir Keir Starmer pledged to publish the plan before NATO summit and to raise spending to 3 % of GDP next year, 3.5 % by 2035.
Treasury offered £13 billion over four years, far below the £28 billion chiefs say is needed, leaving contractors with postponed contracts and uncertainty.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review under David Cameron imposed deep cuts, a legacy softened by the 2015 SDSR and Boris Johnson’s 2020 Integrated Review that pledged £16.5 billion (2.2% of GDP). Ongoing funding gaps now compel Labour ministers, including John Healey, to resign as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces unmet defence promises.

1 of 2

Story summary

John Healey resigned as defence secretary on 11 June 2026, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of not funding the Defence Investment Plan.
Al Carns also resigned, intensifying the funding dispute.
Sir Keir Starmer pledged to publish the plan before NATO summit and to raise spending to 3 % of GDP next year, 3.5 % by 2035.
Treasury offered £13 billion over four years, far below the £28 billion chiefs say is needed, leaving contractors with postponed contracts and uncertainty.

1 / 2