John Healy has resigned as Defence Secretary

Why doesn’t Starmer go ? He has been dreadful from the start. Then the Labour Party can move onwards and hopefully upwards.

I hope John Healey will return in due course. He’s an experienced, well respected and competent minister, and a sensible man. I’m sure he thought long and hard before resigning, I can understand his reasons, and I hope this tactic works well for him and the country’s defensive capacity going forward.

John Healy has been warning for a long time that we are in danger but his words haven't been heeded. We need a lot more investment in defence. The Tories started the decline and Labour hasn't done enough.
I think the only way is raising taxes which should all be spent on defence and not find its way into another pot.
Healy wanted the massive welfare bill looked at too.
If we have to fight a war we will all suffer if our defence is feeble.

I’m still a Labour voter, if I was in Makerfield I’d vote Burnham.
I saw the WFA , pip, opposition to removing two child benefit as sensible proposals, I still believe the supporters and back benchers could have been persuaded to support the policies if they’d been canvassed and properly introduced. I like many posters here don’t need WFA, pip /dla was not going to be removed from cancer payments. That was the first indication that Starmer and his team couldn’t communicate, wanted to simply impose. He’s got to go

Al Carns being interviewed on GB News….

Shinamae

Al Carns being interviewed on GB News….

He was also on Good Morning Britain ITV

I, too, hope Burnham wins next week. We need a change. I know he can't work miracles if he ever becomes PM but things are spiralling out of control with Starmer.

An awful lot is expected from Burnham who will sour with the public when he will need to raise taxes and cut welfare.
Will the triple lock go?

I would gladly give up the triple lock and pay more taxes than see my children and grandchildren in a war.
It may need to be spelled out to people what scrimping on defence could mean for the future of our country.

The message of any leader, of any government will be unpalatable to many when major changes which impact people’s pockets is the only way forward to repair decades of poor decision making Boz. That is unfortunately where we are and will be for many years to come.

The triple lock has to end.

I don't believe they resigned on principles. I think they are leaving a sinking ship in the hopes of securing a position in the new court.

The UK has one of the least generous State pensions in Europe I seem to remember .

Luckygirl3

He should have stayed in place and continued to argue his position internally as all Secs of State have to.

He knows this is a dreadful time to be rocking the boat and creating a bad impression externally.

I am very disappointed in him.

Healey was given a take it or leave it choice by Starmer and Reeves. No further internal discussion was likely to lift the defence budget. They counted on his absolute loyalty: their mistake.

Basgetti

The triple lock has to end.

I'm sure that pensioners who are living solely on their state pension will be in total agreement with you. As they were so delighted by the initial decision to stop the WFP...

How about not punishing people who are living at the bottom end of the income scales?

How about some progressive taxation which equalises taxation on earned and unearned income and claws back the excessive wealth that is taken out of our economy?

The huge mistake Starmer has made is increasing Welfare spending . Th- day the two child cap was removed Sophie H. from the North-East said, when prompted, it was good but doesn't go far enough. I've got to pay for my eldest's dinner now he is going into Year 3. Her partner worked,she worked, part -time but didn't see why she should take on extra hours. Why should she when the state will fund her lifestyle.

Why should she when the state will fund her lifestyle.

The state funds the lifestyles of the wealthy, with tax concessions and exemptions and does it to a far greater extent than it hands out anything to the poor. But who complains about that?

Sorry MauzieD, can’t quote for some reason.
People living solely on their state pension will qualify for pension credits?

Absolutely agree, we should all pay our share, as should multinationals. If we/they did, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

nanna8

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

That’s a fair point of view too, nanna8. With suitable notice so that people can plan accordingly.

MaizieD

^Why should she when the state will fund her lifestyle.^

The state funds the lifestyles of the wealthy, with tax concessions and exemptions and does it to a far greater extent than it hands out anything to the poor. But who complains about that?

And the biggest beneficiaries by far are pensioner home owners

nanna8

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

Agree with that, my sister in Brisbane manages fine without

Mmm I think I need a little more time to pass and a bit more background information before concluding anything because of this resignation. But i do think it is an important moment.

Boz

An awful lot is expected from Burnham who will sour with the public when he will need to raise taxes and cut welfare.
Will the triple lock go?

Burnham will face exactly the same problems and the buck will stop with him he won't be able to blame anyone else, I hope he unites the Labour MPs, if he doesn't he won't last long.

MaizieD wholeheartedly agree with your posts @ 9.33 and 9.37 👏👏👏