Dan Jarvis has been appointed as the new Defence Secretary, Downing Street announced on Friday, after John Healey resigned amid a dispute over military funding.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the appointment, saying he was pleased to have Mr Jarvis take on the role as the government seeks to address “the growing threats facing our country.”In a statement released after the appointment, Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of national security. “My first duty is to keep the British people safe, and I will always do what is necessary to protect our national security,” the Prime Minister said.
The move comes after John Healey stepped down from the position over disagreements concerning defence spending and military funding priorities.
Details of the specific funding dispute have not yet been made public by Downing Street.Dan Jarvis, a former soldier and Labour MP for Barnsley Central, brings significant defence and security experience to the role.
He previously served as a Shadow Minister for Defence and has been a vocal advocate for strengthening the UK’s armed forces.
The appointment is expected to stabilise the Ministry of Defence as the UK continues to support international allies and modernise its military capabilities in response to global security challenges.