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JH

John Healey

PoliticianLeft

John Healey is the UK's Defence Secretary who recently resigned due to concerns over military funding.

Notable Quotes

"The government isn’t willing to spend enough on the military at a time of 'rising threats.'"
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"the level of new funding proposed fell 'well short' of what was needed to protect the UK."
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"I want to be the defence secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine – because this will mean that this war is finally over."
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"we had two missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus"
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"We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean."
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"the Treasury had been 'unwilling' to 'commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.'"
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"Fiscal credibility is the bedrock for economic stability and for national security."
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"provide some reassurance this winter"
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"Both these changes are a win-win. They help keep inflation down, while helping people afford the essentials."
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"As far as Iran goes, they're demonstrating a capacity to hit across the Middle East."
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"This will be a Budget that moves money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain."
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"he would be 'watching closely' for any suggestion the public were being 'taken for a ride at the pump or the till'"
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"strong fiscal discipline"
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"we see your activity over our cables and our pipelines and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences."
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"Putin would want us to be distracted by the Middle East, but Russia is the main threat to the U.K. and its allies."
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"We’ve seen over 200 of the Russian sanctioned shadow fleet put out of action and forced to anchor, putting more pressure on Putin’s ability to fund his illegal war with Ukraine."
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"Plaid Cymru should be honest with voters."
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"We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences."
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"we see your activity over our cables and our pipelines and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences."
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"Putin would want us to be distracted by the Middle East, but Russia is the main threat to the U.K. and its allies."
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"We are ready to take action against the vessels."
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"To President Putin, I say ‘We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences.’"
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"We have cut VAT on electricity bills and capped bus fares at £2 - to give breathing space to those feeling the strain."
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Related Stories

Inflation is heating up but don't expect another crisis

Rising living costs could heap pressure on PM Andy Burnham though it depends what happens in the coming months.

August 19, 2026

Jump in energy bills drives UK inflation to highest rate for four months

The cost of things is now rising at a faster pace compared with last month.

August 19, 2026

Burnham warned Iran war could hit UK growth next year

The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil and fuel prices, and also disrupted supply chains.

August 12, 2026

PM admits cost of living help is not enough and hints at further support

The PM has announced a rake of measures to help people since taking office three weeks ago.

August 12, 2026

Andy Burnham to embark on cost of living tour through the UK

No 10 says the prime minister's plans will "give people some room to breathe", but opposition figures accuse him of "hypocrisy".

August 8, 2026

Student loan repayment rates an 'unsustainable burden', chancellor told

More than 120 MPs and peers have asked John Healey to carry out an "urgent review" of repayments.

August 5, 2026

Almost £200,000 of fuel stolen from UK forecourts every day since Iran war began

Incidents of fuel being taken without payment have risen by a fifth in five months, according to industry analysis.

August 3, 2026

Budget to be held in October, Healey announces

The new chancellor pledged to move money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain.

July 31, 2026

Andy Burnham to give regional mayors share of income tax

The prime minister says the move will give power to "every postcode" but critics say the plans lack detail.

July 30, 2026

Burnham says nuclear sub investment will protect UK and boost jobs

Speaking ahead of a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, the PM seeks to stress the economic benefits of defence spending.

July 30, 2026

Michelin-starred chef calls for VAT cut for restaurants

Sat Bains offers deli versions of some of his dishes to promote local businesses facing high costs.

July 28, 2026

Money Box

What might the new team at the top of government mean for your money?

July 25, 2026

UK complacent about war threat, warns defence boss

The threat of attack has never been higher, the boss of Europe's biggest defence contractor has warned. Dr Charles Woodburn

July 23, 2026

Government to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues

Some hospitality firms will get a 20% discount from next April, saving an estimated £1,100.

July 23, 2026

Lower fuel prices help drive inflation down to 2.6%

Prices rose by 2.6% in the year to June, down from 2.8% in the year to May, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

July 22, 2026

UK government borrowing falls in June

Public finances for last month were better than expected but the UK is carrying major debt.

July 21, 2026

VAT to be cut from household electricity bills in October

Homes will save around £45 a year through the cut announced on Andy Burnham's first full day as prime minister.

July 21, 2026

John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence job

The former defence secretary is seen as a safe pair of hands - and is now in charge of the government's finances.

July 20, 2026

Burnham has big ideas - but what will they cost?

Every tricky decision and trade off is being watched by the country and the markets at the same time

July 20, 2026

Burnham likely to replace Reeves if he becomes PM

Rachel Reeves would be offered a more junior cabinet role, the BBC understands.

June 24, 2026

Hegseth renews Nato criticism and says US will review presence in Europe

The US defence secretary's move follows a US decision to scale back its commitments to a high readiness force within the alliance.

June 18, 2026

UK and Japan agree £18bn investment deal

Japanese firms will spend billions on UK infrastructure and offshore wind, Downing Street says.

June 14, 2026

Starmer tells Rutte UK will publish defence plan before NATO July summit - Reuters

Starmer tells Rutte UK will publish defence plan before NATO July summit Reuters

June 13, 2026

UK defence minister quits, says Starmer not spending enough to keep country safe - Reuters

UK defence minister quits, says Starmer not spending enough to keep country safe Reuters

June 11, 2026

UK says it deployed military to deter Russian submarines from attack on undersea cables - Reuters

UK says it deployed military to deter Russian submarines from attack on undersea cables Reuters

April 9, 2026

UK's Starmer heads to the Gulf to discuss Strait of Hormuz reopening - Reuters

UK's Starmer heads to the Gulf to discuss Strait of Hormuz reopening Reuters

April 8, 2026

Marco Rubio joins G7 talks with focus on Iran war

It is the secretary of state's first foreign trip since the conflict began last month.

March 27, 2026

Cyprus leader calls for frank discussion on 'colonial' UK bases

The UK's two military bases on Cyprus are a "colonial consequence" on the island, says President Nikos Christodoulides.

March 19, 2026

Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel - Reuters

Britain sends helicopters with counter-drone tech to Cyprus, deploys naval vessel Reuters

March 3, 2026

Iranian-made drone hits British air base in Cyprus, causing limited damage - Reuters

Iranian-made drone hits British air base in Cyprus, causing limited damage Reuters

March 2, 2026

Government to give go-ahead for £1bn defence helicopter deal

The chancellor has stepped in to protect jobs at the helicopter manufacturer in Somerset, the BBC understands.

February 27, 2026

Russia says sending British troops to Ukraine would prolong war, not end it - Reuters

Russia says sending British troops to Ukraine would prolong war, not end it Reuters

February 26, 2026