About our John Healey news
Latest news on John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, Labour MP, former Shadow Defence Secretary and key figure in Starmer's cabinet since July 2024.
As the current Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey oversees the UK's military strategy and defence policy in Keir Starmer's government. The 65-year-old Labour politician has represented constituencies in South Yorkshire since 1997, winning the newly created Rawmarsh and Conisbrough seat in the 2024 general election with 49% of the vote and a majority of 6,908.
Since taking office in July 2024, Healey has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 and launched a "root and branch" defence review of the armed forces. He has been a strong advocate for Ukraine, warning in February 2025 that "there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine" following talks between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Healey has also addressed challenges including the partial suspension of arms export licences to Israel and concerns about a £22 billion "black hole" in public finances affecting defence commitments.
Beyond his current role, Healey's political career spans housing policy, economic affairs, and health. As Minister of State for Housing and Planning under Gordon Brown from 2009 to 2010, and later as Shadow Secretary of State for Housing from 2016 to 2020, he developed significant expertise in domestic policy before focusing on defence matters. His approach emphasises closer cooperation with NATO allies and European nations on security issues.
Born in Wakefield on 13 February 1960 and educated at St Peter's School, York and Christ's College, Cambridge, Healey worked as a journalist and disability rights campaigner before entering Parliament. Throughout his career, he has served under four Labour leaders - Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Jeremy Corbyn, and now Keir Starmer - demonstrating his adaptability and enduring influence within the party.
Our NewsNow feed on John Healey delivers comprehensive coverage of his statements, policies, and decisions as Defence Secretary. Whether you're interested in UK military strategy, NATO relations, or British politics more broadly, this feed provides timely updates from reliable sources to keep you informed about one of the most influential figures in Starmer's cabinet.