UK’s defence secy resigns

London: Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey resi­gned on Thursday, saying the government’s proposed defe­nce spending plans would leave the armed forces short of resources and could make the country “less safe”.

In a resignation letter on X, Healey said PM Keir Starmer had been “unable” and the Treasury “unwilling” to commit the resources needed to meet growing security threats. “I am now left with no other option than to submit my resignation as your defence secretary,” he wrote.

Healey said defence pressures had increased because of conflict in West Asia, Britain’s military commitments and heightened Russian activity near the UK and Nato nations. The proposed Defence Investment Plan would raise defence spending to 2.68% of GDP by 2030, compared with 2.6% expected next year, he said, adding, the settlement “falls well short of what is required for defence”. Inade­quate funding could reduce military readiness. —AP