John Healey: Shaping UK Defence and Tech Policy

Healey Accuses Reeves and Starmer of a 'Double Hatchet Job' on Defence

John Healey, the Shadow Defence Secretary, has launched a blistering attack on Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing them of failing to commit the resources needed for national defence. In a letter obtained by multiple outlets, Healey stated that a cross-government review completed in January confirmed the scale of the challenge and the rising demands on defence, but that the Treasury has been unwilling to act. Healey specifically singled out Starmer for being too weak to overrule Reeves on defence spending, describing the situation as a double hatchet job.

This new era for defence required further investment through the defence investment plan. The excellent and extensive cross-government work that completed in January – overseen by you, me and the chancellor – confirmed the scale of the challenge and the rising demands on defence. Since then, you have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats. This is a double hatchet job.

The accusation has sent shockwaves through Westminster, exposing deep internal divisions over spending priorities. Healey's critique is not just about budget numbers — it is a strategic warning that the UK's defence posture is being undermined by political inertia. The failure to invest now, Healey argues, will leave the armed forces ill-equipped to face intensifying threats from state and non-state actors.

• Healey criticised the Treasury for being 'unwilling' to commit resources needed for defence amid rising threats.
• The cross-government review completed in January confirmed the scale of the challenge, but Reeves and Starmer failed to act.
• Healey specifically accused Starmer of being 'too weak' to overrule Reeves on defence spending.

The letter marks a significant escalation in Healey's campaign to reshape Labour's defence policy, forcing the issue onto the national stage ahead of the next election.

Healey Champions AI, Cybersecurity, and Tech Integration as Defence Priorities

Beyond the spending row, Healey has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for modernising the armed forces through technology. He argues that current defence plans are insufficient to address the speed of technological advancements by adversaries, particularly in cyber warfare and artificial intelligence. Healey supports the creation of a dedicated digital and cyber command within the Ministry of Defence to enhance the UK's ability to defend against and conduct operations in the digital domain.

Healey has called for increased investment in military technology, including AI and cybersecurity, to modernise the armed forces. This aligns with NATO's emphasis on technological superiority and reflects a broader recognition that future conflicts will be decided as much by code as by conventional firepower. Healey frequently cites the integration of AI in drone swarms, autonomous systems, and cyber defence as critical areas where the UK must not fall behind. Drawing parallels to how other sectors are adopting AI — for instance, how the Atlanta Falcons have used AI to revolutionise play-calling and injury prevention — Healey insists the same transformative potential applies to defence.

• Healey has called for increased investment in military technology, including AI and cybersecurity, to modernise the armed forces.
• He argues that current defence plans are insufficient to address cyber threats and technological advancements by adversaries.
• Healey supports the creation of a dedicated digital and cyber command to enhance UK capabilities.

The future battlefield is digital. If we fail to invest in cyber and AI now, we hand our adversaries a strategic advantage that will take decades to reverse.

Healey's tech-centric vision also extends to procurement reform, pushing for faster acquisition cycles and closer ties with the UK's growing tech startup ecosystem. He believes that bureaucratic inertia has left the military reliant on outdated systems, and that a partnership with the private sector is essential to field cutting-edge capabilities quickly.

Political Fallout: Healey's Stance Reshapes Labour's Defence Credibility

Healey's outspoken criticism has significant implications for Labour's positioning on defence. By publicly challenging the leadership, he is forcing Starmer and Reeves to either commit to higher spending or risk being seen as weak on national security. This internal pressure comes at a delicate time, as the party tries to balance fiscal credibility with the demands of a more dangerous world.

His focus on tech and cyber defence aligns with NATO priorities and appeals to younger voters and industry stakeholders. In an era where cybersecurity threats and AI are increasingly mainstream concerns, Healey's emphasis on modernisation could help Labour shed its traditional image as less credible on defence. However, the 'double hatchet job' rhetoric may strain relations with the Treasury and party leadership. Yet it also bolsters his image as a defence hawk willing to speak truth to power.

• Healey's outspoken criticism puts pressure on Labour leadership to commit to higher defence spending ahead of the next election.
• His focus on tech and cyber defence aligns with NATO priorities and appeals to younger voters and industry stakeholders.
• The 'double hatchet job' rhetoric may strain relations with the Treasury and party leadership but bolsters his image as a defence hawk.

Industry observers note that Healey's stance could reshape UK defence procurement if Labour takes power. His advocacy for AI and cyber integration signals a potential shift away from traditional platforms toward more agile, software-defined capabilities — a move that would have major implications for major contractors and the broader defence industrial base.

Key Takeaways

• John Healey is using the 'double hatchet job' narrative to demand greater defence investment from both the Treasury and his own leader.
• He positions military technology, AI, and cybersecurity as essential to modern defence, not optional add-ons.
• Healey's critique highlights internal Labour divisions on spending priorities, potentially influencing future policy.
• His advocacy for tech integration could reshape UK defence procurement and strategy if Labour takes power.
• The cross-government review underscores that defence needs are rising, but political will is lagging behind.