Starmer Vows Increased Defence Spending After Healey Quits Over UK Military Funding
UK Government Response to Defence Funding Criticism
Healey's Resignation and Criticism
LONDON, June 11 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday he would "always do what is needed to keep our country safe" after John Healey resigned as defence minister, countering Healey's claim that the government had failed to fund the military adequately.
Starmer's Commitment to National Security
"You are also right that we have to go further," Starmer told Healey in a letter, after the former defence minister said the prime minister and the Treasury had been unable and unwilling to commit the resources needed to defend the country.
Defence Investment Plan Details
"The Defence Investment Plan does just that delivering an unprecedented increase in defence spending in a sustainable way. It will provide the resources our military needs to keep us safe and the clarity the British defence industry needs to plan," Starmer added, referring to an investment plan the government is due to publish soon.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Alistair Smout; Editing by Susan Fenton)
