The defence secretary, John Healey, has resigned over the government's defence spending plans, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of being unable to commit the resources needed to protect the country at a time of increasing threats.
The long-awaited defence investment plan was expected to be published imminently. However, in a letter to Starmer, Healey stated that the plan fell "well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time."
In his resignation letter, Healey wrote that the need for further investment in defence was clear, and that work on how much it would cost had been completed in January. He added: "Since then, 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's departure marks a significant blow to the government, as he was a key figure in shaping defence policy. The resignation highlights deepening divisions within the administration over military spending priorities.
More details on this developing story are expected to follow.
