UK Defense Secretary Resigns, Putting Prime Minister Starmer Under Pressure Amid 'Leadership Crisis'

British Defense Secretary John Healey resigned on June 11 (local time), protesting that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s defense investment plans, which are currently facing a leadership crisis, are falling short and endangering national security.

In his resignation letter submitted to Prime Minister Starmer on this day, Healey strongly criticized both the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, stating, "At a time of growing threats, the Prime Minister lacked the ability to commit the necessary resources for national defense, and the Treasury lacked the will."

This refers to the repeated delays in the announcement of the long-term Defense Investment Plan (DIP) that the Starmer administration had previously promised.

Immediately after taking office, Prime Minister Starmer initiated a 'Strategic Defence Review' (SDR), citing the need for reform of the British Armed Forces, and promised to release an investment plan to implement the recommendations of the SDR report by last year.

However, the announcement of the DIP has been repeatedly postponed, reportedly due to tight government finances and disagreements between ministries.

The defense industry, partner nations in defense cooperation, and even George Robertson, the former NATO Secretary General who authored the SDR report, have expressed concerns over the delay in the investment plan.

The day before, Prime Minister Starmer stated that he would announce the plan before the NATO summit scheduled for July 7.

Healey stated that after receiving the draft of the plan, he decided to resign because it fell far short of expectations.

He argued, "The Prime Minister's DIP financial settlement, which I received in full for the first time on Monday afternoon (the 8th), falls far short of what is needed for our defense and our country at such a dangerous time," adding, "I am being pushed into decisions that could reduce the readiness of our armed forces and increase risks to operational personnel, making the country less safe."

Healey, who has led the Ministry of Defence since the Starmer administration took office in July 2024, has been a key pillar of the cabinet, actively addressing security issues such as support for Ukraine and the war in the Middle East.

As such, it is expected that the position of Prime Minister Starmer, who was already facing a crisis, will be further shaken.

Prime Minister Starmer is under strong pressure to resign from within the ruling Labour Party due to a sharp drop in approval ratings following disappointment in his governance and a crushing defeat in local elections.

Former Health Secretary Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are challenging Prime Minister Starmer.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.