London: Chair of the House of Commons Defence Committee and Slough MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has expressed deep concern over the state of the United Kingdom’s defence funding following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey.
In a strongly worded statement, Dhesi praised Healey as a “serious, committed and respected Defence Secretary” who had demonstrated a clear understanding of the growing security challenges facing the UK. He highlighted Healey’s dedication to strengthening the Armed Forces and his consistent advocacy for increased defence investment.
Dhesi noted that members of the House of Commons Defence Committee recognized Healey’s commitment to service personnel and his efforts to ensure that national security remained a priority within government policy. He thanked Healey for his service and contribution to the country’s defence agenda.
However, the Slough MP warned that Healey’s resignation sends a troubling signal about the government’s current approach to defence spending. According to Dhesi, the fact that a Defence Secretary of Healey’s integrity felt compelled to step down over concerns regarding the proposed defence settlement should serve as a serious warning to the government.
“The Government must take that warning with the utmost seriousness,” Dhesi stated, emphasizing that national security cannot be compromised by inadequate funding commitments.
The Defence Committee has repeatedly called for defence expenditure to be increased to 3 percent of GDP before the end of the current Parliament, arguing that the evolving global security environment demands greater investment. Dhesi stressed that the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan should not be delayed any further and must provide a realistic and fully funded roadmap for strengthening Britain’s military capabilities.
He further argued that any defence strategy must be affordable, deliverable, and subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny. Transparent timelines and credible funding commitments, he said, are essential to maintaining confidence among service personnel, the defence industry, international allies, and potential adversaries.
Dhesi concluded by warning that the UK’s credibility on national security depends not only on strong rhetoric but also on tangible financial commitments. “Our Armed Forces, defence industry, allies and adversaries alike need to see that the UK is matching its words on national security with the resources required to deliver,” he said.
The remarks are expected to intensify debate over defence spending priorities as Parliament and government officials consider future budget allocations amid growing geopolitical tensions and evolving security threats.