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Starmer Pushes 3.5% Defence Plan, Healey Resigns Over Shortfall

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing a defence investment plan before leaving office.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plan will be published before summit on 7 July, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis meeting her to keep it on track.
The plan seeks 3.5 % of GDP spending, receiving £10 billion uplift, prompting Defence Secretary John Healey to resign, warning it falls short of a 3 % target and may harm the UK's credibility with allies.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing a defence investment plan before leaving office.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plan will be published before summit on 7 July, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis meeting her to keep it on track.
The plan seeks 3.5 % of GDP spending, receiving £10 billion uplift, prompting Defence Secretary John Healey to resign, warning it falls short of a 3 % target and may harm the UK's credibility with allies.