Great Britain: Starmer defends UK defense budget after Healey's resignation

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his government's defense budget plan, asserting it will sustainably increase military spending to unprecedented levels. His remarks came after Defense Secretary John Healey resigned over disagreements regarding the funding.

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We have found ourselves in a situation where our armed forces have been underfunded and neglected for years

In a letter to Healey, published on the government's website, Starmer wrote that the defense budget will "sustainably deliver an unprecedented increase in defense spending." He assured that it would provide the military with the resources it needs for protection and offer the British defense industry the clarity required for planning. Starmer acknowledged that the armed forces had suffered from years of underfunding and neglect prior to his government taking office.

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Our work at the forefront of the Coalition of the Willing in Ukraine, the defense of our allies in the Gulf (...) have helped to make the world safer.

Starmer emphasized the government's role in global security, stating that its leadership within the "Coalition of the Willing" in Ukraine and its defense of allies in the Persian Gulf have "helped to make the world safer." He also indicated his commitment to managing the impacts of global crises on Britain.

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It is a matter of regret that you will not be part of this work

"I am sorry that you will not be part of this work," Starmer wrote to the departing minister, expressing regret that Healey would not be involved in the ongoing efforts. The article notes that it will continue to be updated with further developments.

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We have found ourselves in a situation where our armed forces have been underfunded and neglected for years