Ex-defence secretary John Healey takes swipe at Starmer over spending cuts

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJohn 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 fullHealey warns defence spending plan ‘well short of what’s required’ as he lashes out at Starmer and ReevesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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