Starmer’s leadership under further pressure after defence ministers quit – UK politics live

Both John Healey and Al Cairns resigned from their ministerial positions on Thursday over the government’s defence investment plan Good morning. This time yesterday Keir Starmer’s leadership was already in peril, with many in his party assuming that he will be replaced by Andy Burnham at some point later this year, but there was a consensus that, on defence and international security, his record was impressive. John Healey’s surprise resignation as defence secretary blew that apart. Later, after 8pm last night, Al Carns, the armed forces minister, also resigned over the defence investment plan.Here is our main story, by Pippa Crerar and Dan Sabbagh. Continue reading...