John Healey
Coverage of John Healey in the Nexus archive.
- Starmer is leaving Burnham with a massive bill for defence. But why the war fever?
Keir Starmer's defense spending plan faces criticism for being insufficient, with media and experts urging increased military funding amid claims of an imminent Russian threat. Outgoing Prime Minister Starmer added £15bn to the Defence Investment Plan, but figures like Hamish de Bretton-Gordon argue it fails to address critical needs, pressuring Andy Burnham to deliver more resources.
- UK’s Starmer unveils $20 billion defense boost in long-delayed investment plan
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £15 billion ($20 billion) defense investment plan to modernize Britain's armed forces, including funding for drones, autonomous weapons, and a next-generation stealth fighter jet. The plan, delayed for nine months, aims to strengthen Britain's nuclear deterrent and align with NATO's 3.5% GDP defense spending target by 2035 but falls short of defense chiefs' requested £28 billion.
- Starmer to Burnham: It’s your job to fund defense now
Keir Starmer announced a £15 billion defense spending plan, including £5 billion for autonomous systems, but the UK will not meet its NATO target of 3.5% GDP defense spending by 2035. Andy Burnham, set to become prime minister, will need to secure additional funding to sustain Starmer’s commitments and address NATO obligations.
- 5 things to know about the UK’s new defense spending plan
The UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) sets a 2.7% GDP defense spending target, falling short of NATO's 3.5% goal by 2035. The plan allocates £297.7 billion over four years, with funding shifts toward Ukraine-related preparations and the Global Combat Air Programme with Italy and Japan.
- Britain sets out a plan for future defense with a focus on drones and a fight over money
Britain's defense plan emphasizes drones, uncrewed submarines, and stealth fighter jets, with a 15 billion pound funding boost. The plan faces criticism for insufficient spending, as it falls short of NATO's 3% GDP target by 2030 and defense officials' requested amounts. Key figures include Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Defense Secretary John Healey, who resigned over funding concerns.
- Britain sets out a plan for future defense with a focus on drones and a fight over money
Britain's defense plan emphasizes drones and uncrewed systems but faces funding disputes between military leaders and the Treasury. The plan aims to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, though current proposals fall short of defense officials' requests. Resignations of defense officials and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump highlight tensions over NATO spending commitments.
- Britain sets out a plan for future defense with a focus on drones and a fight over money
Britain's defense plan emphasizes drones and uncrewed systems amid funding disputes between military leaders and the Treasury. The government aims to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, but faces challenges balancing military officials' budget requests with fiscal constraints. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned, criticizing insufficient funding to address rising threats.
- Britain sets out a plan for future defense with a focus on drones and a fight over money
Britain's future defense plan emphasizes drones, uncrewed submarines, and self-flying fighter jets amid debates over military spending. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned, criticizing insufficient funding, while the government aims to align spending with NATO targets by 2035.
- New defence secretary wins another £1.5bn to boost drone spending
The new defence secretary secured an additional £1.5bn for the UK’s defence investment plan, with significant funding allocated to drones to counter threats from Russia and Iran. This addresses an £18bn funding gap that previously caused the resignation of the former defence secretary.
- Andy Burnham to set out his economic vision as he speeds toward power in Britain
Andy Burnham will present a 10-year economic vision focusing on local government empowerment, regional development, and utility reforms during a speech in Manchester. The plan aims to decentralize economic growth, replicate his Manchester governance model nationally, and address challenges like sluggish economy and public service strain.
- Starmer stalls on defense cash as G7 leaders meet
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not secured additional funding for defense beyond the existing £13.5 billion plan, as his new defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, continues to finalize spending priorities. Starmer denied being snubbed by U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 summit and highlighted a 'mood change' toward Ukraine's progress and U.S.-Iran diplomatic developments.
- What’s Starmer’s plan for Friday morning?
The article discusses Keir Starmer's potential plans for the week, including Andy Burnham's possible return to parliament. It mentions the Prime Minister's announcement of a social media ban for under-16s, a G7 summit, and the resignation of John Healey as defense secretary, along with updates on who is advising the Prime Minister.
- UK allies ‘stressed’ about Starmer’s future as he returns to world stage at G7
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces leadership challenges amid resignations from key defense officials and a potential rival's bid for the Labour Party leadership. Allies express uncertainty about his future as he attends the G7, where his international standing is questioned.
- Keir Starmer 'won't give any more money for defence' - despite John Healey's replacement demanding extra cash
Keir Starmer has stated he will not provide additional funding for defense. This comes despite the replacement of John Healey demanding extra cash.
- New defence secretary to ‘reprioritise’ UK plan for military spending, say sources
The new UK defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, is expected to reprioritize the controversial defense investment plan (Dip), which was delayed following the resignation of John Healey over funding disagreements. Sources indicate Jarvis may seek increased funding for the armed forces from the Treasury.
- Cabinet ministers asked to look for cuts to fund UK defence spending increase
Cabinet ministers are being asked to find funding within their departments to support increased UK defense spending following John Healey's resignation. Lisa Nandy confirmed ongoing discussions with the Treasury to secure additional funds for defense.
- UK Defence spending under scrutiny as former minister warns "Putin will be watching this carefully"
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized national safety upon taking office, but two defense ministers resigned, citing insufficient financial commitments to counter a Russian attack. The delayed British Defence Plan remains unpublicized, and a former Conservative MP discusses the situation with France 24.
- Defence Secretary John Healey pushed for UK to join international investment bank to get much-needed military funds but was blocked by Rachel Reeves
Defence Secretary John Healey advocated for the UK to join an international investment bank to secure military funding, but the effort was blocked by Rachel Reeves. The initiative aimed to address financial needs for military purposes.
- Keir Starmer says he’s staying put after defense secretary’s departure hammers his authority
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces weakened authority after Defense Secretary John Healey resigned over insufficient defense spending. Healey criticized the government's plan to increase military funding to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, arguing it falls short of the 3% target by 2030 needed to address rising security threats. Starmer has maintained a strong international profile on defense and Ukraine support but struggles with internal party dissent.
- Healey showdown raises fresh questions over Starmer-Reeves power dynamic
John Healey's resignation letter criticizes the prime minister for lacking authority to resist the chancellor's demands and failing to secure necessary defense resources. The accusation highlights tensions over the power dynamic between the PM and the chancellor.
- POLL OF THE DAY: Is Keir Starmer 'unable' to defend Britain, as John Healey claims?
A poll questions whether Keir Starmer is 'unable' to defend Britain, as claimed by John Healey. The article focuses on the political debate surrounding Starmer's capability in defense matters.
- Top US ally's defense chief quits, warns military lacks resources for rising threats
Britain's defense secretary resigned, accusing the government of inadequate military funding amid rising threats from Russia and NATO demands. He criticized a defense spending plan that would reach 2.68% of GDP by 2030, arguing it falls short of the 3% target needed to address security challenges.
- Top US ally's defense chief quits, warns military lacks resources for rising threats
Britain's defense secretary resigned, accusing the government of failing to fund the military adequately amid rising threats from Russia and NATO demands. The resignation highlights a dispute over defense spending targets and intensifies political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Activate 'Action Man'! Ex-commando Al Carns revs up leadership bid after joining John Healey in quitting over defence cash shambles - as he backs welfare cuts to fund military
Ex-commando Al Carns joins John Healey in resigning over defense funding issues and supports cutting welfare to fund the military. Carns is launching a leadership bid following the resignation.
- As crises mount, how long can UK's Starmer survive?
British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of insufficient funding for the armed forces. The resignation intensifies pressure on Starmer ahead of a by-election, compounded by anti-immigration riots in Belfast and growing far-right support.
- Starmer’s leadership under further pressure after defence ministers quit – UK politics live
John Healey and Al Carns resigned as defense ministers over the government’s defense investment plan. Peter Kyle, the business secretary, stated his loyalty to Keir Starmer but emphasized political purpose over personal allegiance.
- Dan Jarvis named new UK defence minister
Dan Jarvis has been appointed as the new UK defence minister. John Healey resigned due to concerns over defence spending.
- UK’s defence plan is underfunded and outdated, says Al Carns after resignation
Al Carns resigned as a defense minister, criticizing the UK government’s underfunded and outdated defense plan. He accused ministers of misallocating military spending, following the resignation of his boss, John Healey.
- Second UK minister quits in defence spending row piling pressure on PM
Two UK ministers resigned over disagreements regarding military spending, increasing pressure on the Prime Minister. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns and Defence Secretary John Healey both stepped down following the dispute.
- Makerfield or bust: Burnham goes for broke
Burnham is pursuing a high-stakes strategy centered on Makerfield. Defence secretary John Healey has submitted a significant resignation.
- Trump says Europe freeloads on defense. Britain’s own (former) Defense Secretary just agreed
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned, citing insufficient government spending on military amid rising threats. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the delayed defense funding plan, claiming it will provide sustainable resources. Critics argue the proposed spending targets fall short of NATO commitments and current security demands.
- British defence minister quits Keir Starmer's government, levelling scathing critique of his policies
British Defence Minister John Healey resigned from Keir Starmer's government following a dispute over military spending. He accused Starmer of failing to allocate sufficient resources to protect the country from emerging threats.
- John Healey and his No2 quit as Starmer and Reeves put welfare and Net Zero before national security - all while military leaders warn we haven't faced such a global threat for generations
John Healey and his No2 group resign as Starmer and Reeves prioritize welfare and Net Zero over national security. Military leaders warn of a generational global threat.
- UK defense minister resigns as Keir Starmer fails to define military investment plan
John Healey, the UK defense minister, has resigned due to Keir Starmer's failure to outline a clear military investment plan.
- The loyalist who stabbed Starmer: How John Healey's resignation left the PM fighting for survival
John Healey's resignation has left the Prime Minister struggling to maintain stability. The article suggests his departure has significantly weakened the PM's position.
- U.K. defense secretary resigns, saying the government isn’t willing to spend enough on the military
U.K. defense secretary John Healey resigns, citing insufficient government spending on the military. He left 10 Downing Street after a Cabinet meeting on June 2.
- Australia news live: Richard Marles left adrift as UK counterpart quits hours before scheduled visit to naval yard
Australia's defense minister Richard Marles was left without a UK counterpart to meet after John Healey resigned hours before a planned visit to a naval yard. Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended his criticism of opposition leader Angus Taylor, arguing Taylor's privileged background makes him disconnected from housing market struggles.
- Starmer in 'seismic' crisis, UK defense chief quits before high-stakes Trump NATO summit
UK Defense Secretary John Healey resigned over disagreements with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government regarding military spending and the delayed Defense Investment Plan (DIP). The dispute centers on unmet NATO defense spending commitments, particularly ahead of a high-stakes summit with President Donald Trump.
- UK defense secretary resigns, pans Starmer as not spending enough to keep country safe
UK defense secretary John Healey resigns, stating the government's plan to address rising threats 'falls well short' of what is needed. His resignation is described as a blow to the PM, with Healey criticizing Starmer for insufficient spending on national safety.
- UK defence chief steps down, accuses Starmer of making Britain 'less safe'
British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of insufficient funding for the armed forces, warning that delayed defense investment could leave Britain vulnerable.