Shock in Britain: Defense Secretary Resigns and Attacks PM

Another shake-up in the British government: Defense Secretary John Healey announced on Thursday that he is resigning from his post, in protest over the defense budget proposed by the Treasury, which he said is not sufficient to meet the country's security needs.

In his resignation letter, Healey sharply criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "I never expected to write this letter, and I do so now with great pain," he said. "I am proud of what we have done over the past two years. You led this as prime minister, and I know you are as proud as I am of our forces' achievements. But the new era requires much greater investment in defense."

Healey reminded Starmer of their joint work in January to review Britain's military needs. "Since then, you have not been able to commit to the budgets Britain needs to defend the country against all the new threats," he argued. "In addition, the need for defense has increased even further in recent months, following the war in the Middle East, the leadership of the operation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing Russian aggression toward Britain and NATO countries because of their support for Ukraine."

According to the minister, "There are ways to overcome the budgetary challenges, as other countries in Europe are doing. There are solutions that will allow us to maintain our ability to deliver what we promised to advance as a government. However, your budget proposal, which I received last Monday, is not enough for what is required to defend our country in this dangerous time."

"Just last week you gave a speech in which you mentioned all the threats facing us. You know what the army needs," he said. "Without an adequate budget, I am forced to make decisions that will harm our military capabilities and increase the risk to the lives of troops. This could harm national security."

"After I explained to you that I cannot approve a budget that does not give our army what it needs, I am left with no choice but to submit my resignation from my post as defense minister," he concluded. "I wish you success and resilience in the face of the great challenges you are facing."