British Defence Minister warns of dire military state amid budget cuts

Minister of National Defence John Healey stated that the condition of the British armed forces is significantly worse than previously thought after years of military budget reductions.

During his speech at a conference organised by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Healey expressed concern over the current state of affairs, describing the current times as "serious" and pointing to "growing global threats". The minister emphasised that it is necessary to end the current practice of internal conflicts within the armed forces over limited financial resources allocated to projects of questionable value.

Healey stressed the focus on fighting on the front lines, not on financial disputes, announcing a "new era" in the operation of the British armed forces.

General Valeriy Zaluzhny, former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces and currently serving as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, also spoke during the conference. Zaluzhny emphasised the need for Britain and other democracies to be prepared to prevent a potential new world war, noting that the threat concerns entire societies, not just the military.

John Healey assumed the position of defence minister in the new Labour government led by Keir Starmer.