UK defense chief quits before NATO summit amid spending clash
Why it matters: The exit deepens pressure on Keir Starmer as allies push for higher military spending ahead of a summit with Donald Trump.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned Thursday after a dispute with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government over military spending, creating fresh uncertainty weeks before a NATO summit in the Netherlands that is set to include President Donald Trump. The row centered on the delayed Defense Investment Plan, the government's roadmap for military funding and readiness. Fox News reported Starmer would not set a timeline to lift defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 and did not commit to a firm date for reaching 3%. He instead offered 2.68% by 2030, only slightly above 2.6% next year. In his resignation letter, Healey warned the funding limits would leave Britain less safe.