UK appoints new defence secretary after two ministers resign over funding
Dan Jarvis was named defence secretary following John Healey's resignation. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also stepped down hours later, citing insufficient funding in the upcoming defence investment plan.
financialpost.comThe UK government appointed former Security Minister Dan Jarvis as the new defence secretary after John Healey resigned over disagreements about military funding. Healey stated in his resignation letter that he had "no other option" but to leave because the government was not allocating enough money to the military in the financial settlement for the defence investment plan.
The plan, which has not yet been released, is intended to set out government defence spending for the next decade.
Second resignation follows hours later Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned shortly after Healey, saying the plan was not "built for the threat we face" and was not "sufficiently funded." Healey had asked other defence ministers to remain in their posts despite his departure. The two exits bring the total number of ministers who have left the government in the past month to seven.
Background on the defence investment plan The government has said the defence investment plan will provide the resources the military needs. The plan's release has been delayed amid the funding dispute. No replacement for Al Carns has been announced.
