UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over spending dispute with Treasury

LONDON — British Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, citing a prolonged deadlock between the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury over increased military spending. In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Healey said the government was failing to provide the resources needed to defend the country against growing threats and accused the Treasury of being unwilling to act. The two ministries had been negotiating for months over funding to expand military expenditure. The breakdown of those talks has delayed the UK's defence strategy, which has been in preparation since last year. The British defence sector has expressed frustration over the inability to make long-term investments at a time of continuing geopolitical uncertainty and reduced US security commitments to Europe. Healey's resignation has revived debate over the country's defence policy and budget priorities. No further details on a successor were immediately available.