Al Carns says he resigned as defence minister on principle

Al Carns said he resigned as a defence minister on a matter of principle rather than for reward and ahead of Sir Keir Starmer's departure as Prime Minister. Speaking at the Invictus Games event in Birmingham, Carns left open the possibility of a future government role under Andy Burnham.

Resignation and future role Carns told GB News he resigned "on a matter of principle, not for a reward," citing veterans' issues as one reason. He said he would continue championing veterans from the backbenches. Asked about a possible return under Burnham, Carns replied, "Well, you never know. You never know. You know, we're in politics today, see what happens in the future."

highlighted government programs including the Valour program and the largest increase in veterans' funding in a generation. He said the least government can do is serve veterans after their service. " Carns, who served for 24 years, noted that many participants began their recovery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital after injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq.