UK's Defense Chief: 'I Am Now Left With No Other Option'

British Defense Secretary John Healey unexpectedly resigned on Thursday, saying the government isn't willing to spend enough on the military at a time of rising threats. Healey told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the government's defense investment plan falls "well short of what is required at this dangerous time," per the AP. Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.

"You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats," Healey wrote in a resignation letter. "I am now left with no other option [but] to submit my resignation as your defense secretary." Healey has been UK defense chief since the Labour Party government was elected in July 2024 and is regarded as a capable and serious minister.

Starmer has pledged to boost UK defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027 and 3% by 2034. Many in the military say that's not fast enough, however. The resignation is another blow to the embattled prime minister, who's already facing demands from Labour colleagues that he step down.