Why John Healey's resignation is 'devastating' for Keir Starmer
From Talking Politics by ITV News
June 11, 2026 · 20 min
About this episode
Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss the implications of John Healey's resignation for Keir Starmer's leadership.
Tom Bradby and Robert Peston discuss Defence Secretary John Healey's resignation, after a row with the prime minister over military spending, in which he accused Keir Starmer of making the country "less safe". He wrote to the PM to resign with "great regret and reluctance", citing disagreements about defence spending ahead of the release of the delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP). Tom and Robert reflect on why this resignation is particularly damaging for Keir Starmer and whether his position is now beyond saving. -- Contains mild language.
People in this episode
Host: Tom Bradby
Guest: Robert Peston
Topics covered
- resignation
- military spending
- political commentary
- Keir Starmer
- John Healey
- defense policy
Keywords
- John Healey
- Keir Starmer
- resignation
- military spending
- defense policy
- politics
- ITV News
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ITV News, Defence Investment Plan, Prime Minister
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