- John Healey , the former defence secretary, resigned last week, criticising the prime minister for allowing the Treasury to dictate defence policy based on cost-saving measures.
- Healey stated that the UK's defence spending plan is "well short of what is required" and called for bolder priorities to protect Britain in an increasingly dangerous world.
- His resignation, along with that of armed forces minister Al Carns, stemmed from the belief that the allocated £10 billion in extra defence cash was insufficient to meet future needs or the 3.5 per cent GDP spending target.
- Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer defended his government's defence spending, stating it represents the biggest increase since the 1980s, and ruled out allocating further funds.
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the defence staff, warned that military operations and capabilities would need to be "dialled back" unless defence funding significantly increases.
IN FULL