UK’s defence plan is underfunded and outdated, says Al Carns after resignation

The Guardian Politics Friday 12 June 2026, 08:27 UTC By Kiran Stacey Policy editor 1 min read

Key Points

Former armed forces minister, who quit hours after John Healey, heavily hints he would run for Labour leadershipUK politics live – latest updatesAl Carns has delivered a withering assessment of the government’s defence plans after quitting as defence minister, accusing ministers of not spending enough money on the military and spending it on the wrong weapons. Carns quit the government on Thursday night, hours after the resignation of his boss, John Healey, after a protracted row over the...

Former armed forces minister, who quit hours after John Healey, heavily hints he would run for Labour leadership

UK politics live – latest updates

Al Carns has delivered a withering assessment of the government’s defence plans after quitting as defence minister, accusing ministers of not spending enough money on the military and spending it on the wrong weapons.

Carns quit the government on Thursday night, hours after the resignation of his boss, John Healey, after a protracted row over the defence investment plan (Dip).

UK (LOCATION) Al Carns (PERSON) John Healey (PERSON) Labour (ORG) Carns (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian Politics Read original →

British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of failing to provide sufficient funding for the armed forces. The departure deepens pressure on Starmer ahead of a crucial by-election and comes amid anti-immigration riots in Belfast and a rise in support for the far-right. Philip Turle takes a look at the multiple crises piling up for Starmer and asks for how long he can cling to power?

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UK’s defence plan is underfunded and outdated, says Al Carns after resignation

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