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What was the defence spending dispute?

John Healey, now Andy Burnham's Chancellor, resigned from Keir Starmer's government because he disagreed with its defence spending plans. He felt the proposed budget was insufficient, particularly given ongoing global tensions. This public disagreement highlighted differing priorities within the then-ruling Labour party regarding national security and public finances.

Stories that explain this

John Healey named chancellor weeks after quitting cabinet

Questions this opens up

What is defence spending? Who sets defence budgets? What are global tensions?

Related explainers

What does the Chancellor do? Why did he quit Starmer's government? What is the Treasury? Why boost defence spending? How defence spending affects you How does defence spending work? Global defence spending trends Why is Japan increasing defence spending?

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