london —
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was dealt another blow on Thursday when Defense Secretary John Healy resigned over a budget dispute, saying the government would not give Britain’s military “the resources it needs”.
Mr Starmer has seen his government’s popularity collapse just two years after winning a landslide general election victory and has recently come under pressure from within his own party.
In a letter to the Prime Minister shared on social media platform
Mr Healy’s resignation comes ahead of the government’s announcement on how it will fund a much-needed review of the UK’s defense, scheduled for next week’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit. The publication of these plans has been repeatedly delayed due to deep disagreements within the government.
Like other NATO members, the UK is under pressure to increase defense spending in preparation for a potential conflict with Russia. In his letter, Mr Healy reminded Mr Starmer that just last week, British intelligence assessed that Russia could be ready to attack NATO countries as early as 2030.
In his letter, Mr Healy referred to Mr Starmer’s pledge to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2023, writing: “The Treasury has been unable and unwilling to commit the resources we need to protect our country at a time of heightened threat.”
The loss of another cabinet minister is worrying news for Mr Starmer, who was already fighting to keep his job. Many in the ruling Labor Party are calling for his resignation following the disastrous results of last month’s local elections.
The formal leadership bid has not yet begun, but that could change after next week’s key by-election in Makerfield, north-west England, where Starmer’s chief rival, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, is running. If he wins that, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Starmer.
