About our John Healey news
Latest news on John Healey, UK Secretary of State for Defence in Keir Starmer's Labour government, covering his new role, political career, and views on key defence and security issues.
John Healey, born in 1960, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Defence in the new Labour government following their victory in the 2024 general election. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Healey's long political career, which began when he was first elected as MP for Wentworth in 1997.
As Defence Secretary, Healey is responsible for overseeing the UK's armed forces and defence policy. His appointment follows his role as Shadow Defence Secretary since 2020, where he developed Labour's defence policies and critiqued the Conservative government's approach. Healey brings extensive ministerial experience to the role, having served in various positions under previous Labour governments.
Healey has been a strong advocate for increasing defence spending, committing to raise it to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. He has emphasized the need for a larger armed force and closer cooperation with NATO and European allies. Healey has also been vocal in his support for Ukraine, pledging to continue Britain's backing in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In his new role, Healey faces several immediate challenges, including modernizing the UK's armed forces, addressing global security threats, and navigating Britain's post-Brexit defence relationships. His recent statements have stressed the importance of adapting to new security landscapes, particularly in light of shifting US priorities towards China.
Stay informed about John Healey's actions as Defence Secretary and the UK's evolving defence policy through our comprehensive NewsNow feed. With updates from a wide range of reliable sources, our coverage provides essential insights into the UK's military and security strategies under the new Labour government.