British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Saturday in a dispute about armed forces funding, with junior defence minister Al Carns also leaving the government. No detailed statement was issued by either minister explaining the specific terms of the disagreement.
Healey had been Defence Secretary since Labour came to government in 2024.
The resignations add political pressure to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government. A replacement has not been announced.
The specific trigger for Healey's departure has not been placed on the public record.
Australia has a close defence and intelligence relationship with the United Kingdom through the Five Eyes alliance and the AUKUS submarine arrangement.
