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France 24
France 24
Politics
FRANCE 24

UK defence chief steps down, accuses Starmer of making Britain 'less safe'

Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey walks outside 10 Downing Street, on the day of a cabinet meeting, in London, Britain, June 2, 2026
Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey walks outside 10 Downing Street, on the day of a cabinet meeting, in London, Britain, June 2, 2026. © Toby Melville, Reuters file photo

British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of failing to provide sufficient funding for the armed forces. The departure deepens pressure on Starmer ahead of a crucial by-election, with Healey warning that the government's delayed long-term defence investment plan could leave Britain vulnerable to security threats.

British Defence Secretary John Healey quit on Thursday, accusing beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry of failing to commit enough money to protect the country.

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