UK Defence Secretary resigns; Australia says AUKUS submarine pact unchanged

British Defence Secretary John Healey quit overnight, citing inadequate funding for defence and warning that the Treasury was unwilling to commit necessary resources. His resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer led to the cancellation of a planned press conference with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles at Portsmouth.

Australian Labor Minister Tim Ayres stated the resignation would have "no effect" on the AUKUS partnership, emphasizing deep support across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The $368 billion agreement sees Australia purchasing three used Virginia‑class submarines from the US, with newer SSN‑AUKUS boats slated for service from the 2040s, despite acknowledged production delays and funding shortfalls in both the US and UK.

Commentators have criticised the secrecy surrounding the deal, questioning its $368 billion cost, the lack of public debate, and concerns that the agreement binds Australia tightly to US‑UK security strategies.