The British Defence Secretary and the Armed Forces Minister have both resigned from the Cabinet in a coordinated protest over military funding, exposing a deep crisis at the heart of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration.
Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns stepped down within hours of each other on Thursday, accusing the Prime Minister and the Treasury of failing to commit the financial resources necessary to protect the country against escalating global threats.
In a scathing resignation letter, Healey stated that Starmer had been “unable” and the Treasury “unwilling” to properly fund the state’s multi-year Defence Investment Plan.
The outgoing Defence Secretary revealed that the funding settlement delivered to him would increase military spending to only 2.68 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, a figure he argued fell dangerously short of the firm 3 per cent target required to counter rising hostility from Russia.
Shortly after, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also tendered his resignation, warning that the government’s current procurement framework was “not built for the threat we face” and noting that Britain was “asking our Armed Forces to operate in a more dangerous world on a budget written for a calmer one.”
The high-profile departures have intensified political pressure on Starmer, whose popularity has dropped significantly less than two years after a landslide general election victory. The double resignation follows the exit of Health Secretary Wes Streeting last month, fueling speculation of an imminent leadership challenge.
Military experts have also expressed anger over the budget impasse, with General Richard Barrons noting that while political leaders seem to understand the geopolitical risks facing the United Kingdom, “they are guilty of failing to match those words with money”.
To contain the political fallout, Downing Street quickly announced the appointment of Security Minister Dan Jarvis, a former Parachute Regiment officer, as the new Defence Secretary.
In a brief statement, Starmer defended his fiscal strategy, insisting that the government remains committed to delivering a sustainable and fair spending increase that balances national security with broader economic stability.
