Politics · 13 June 2026

Starmer defiant after ministers quit over defence

Richard Townshend via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh pressure after two ministers resigned over his government's defence spending plans. On Thursday, former Defence Secretary John Healey tendered his resignation, asserting that military spending "is considerably insufficient" for current requirements; Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also stepped down. Starmer told the BBC he made cuts across departments for defence, defending his budget decisions.

By BriefTea Editorial · 13 June 2026 at 13:23

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

PoliticsAndy Burnham rules out Scottish independence vote while offering more local powers PoliticsPolice Arrest Man Over Your Party Database Dispute BusinessBritish Food and Drink Exports to EU Fall by Over a Third PoliticsSpeaking Skills Get Equal Status to Reading and Writing in Schools PoliticsArmy Chief Says Britons Must Prepare Sacrifices for War PoliticsPipe Bomb Attack Evacuates Homes in North Belfast More politics stories → Browse all stories →