Two top UK defense officials resign amid military spending row, blow to Keir Starmer

Two senior UK defense officials, including Defence Secretary John Healey and Minister of State for the Armed Forces Al Carns, resigned on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Their departures represent a significant setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government, coming amid deepening concerns over military spending and a controversial Defence Investment Plan.

Both officials cited insufficient funding within the government's long-awaited military spending strategy as their primary reason for stepping down. Healey stated that the proposed plan "falls well short of what is required" to safeguard the nation in an era of escalating global threats, particularly from Russia, and warned it could diminish the readiness of UK forces and increase risk to personnel. Carns echoed these sentiments, suggesting the military is being asked to operate in a more dangerous world with an inadequate budget.

The resignations underscore growing internal dissent within the Labour government regarding defense priorities and the allocation of resources. This development further complicates Prime Minister Starmer's political position, who is already facing calls to resign.