New Delhi, June 12 -- U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey unexpectedly quit on Thursday, saying the government is unwilling to spend enough on the military at a time of "rising threats." The resignation dealt another blow to embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already facing demands from Labour colleagues to step down.

Healey told Starmer in a letter that the government's Defense Investment Plan falls "well short of what is required at this dangerous time."

Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.

Healey was followed out the door several hours later by Al Carns, a decorated war veteran who served as a prominent junior minister in the defense ministry. ...