Story perspectives

UK defence chief warns cuts; secretary resigns over funding

6/18/2026

Center

Knighton Warns Cuts

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned the UK armed forces may cut training and operations without additional defence funding.
Former defence secretary John Healey resigned, saying the current defence investment plan cannot sustain force readiness.
Britain pledged to raise spending to 3.5 % of GDP by 2035 and 2.68 % by 2030.
Defence Investment Plan, delayed after Healey’s resignation, should be released before the Ankara NATO summit.

Left

Defence Officials Accuse

Three senior defence officials accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of underfunding the armed forces during a parliamentary session on 16 June 2026.
Former defence secretary John Healey resigned, warning the defence investment plan cannot sustain force readiness.
The plan, Healey said, adds £13.5 bn and lacks a path to 3 % GDP by 2030.
MPs warned Starmer’s reluctance to overrule Chancellor Rachel Reeves could jeopardise operations in Europe, Ukraine.

1 of 2

Knighton Warns Cuts

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned the UK armed forces may cut training and operations without additional defence funding.
Former defence secretary John Healey resigned, saying the current defence investment plan cannot sustain force readiness.
Britain pledged to raise spending to 3.5 % of GDP by 2035 and 2.68 % by 2030.
Defence Investment Plan, delayed after Healey’s resignation, should be released before the Ankara NATO summit.

1 / 2