The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended his leadership and decisions on defence spending following the resignation of two senior defence ministers and growing political pressure within his party.

Speaking to the BBC, he said he had a “duty” to remain in office and insisted that his government was making “hard-edged” choices in order to prioritise national defence.This includes requiring departments to make budgetary cuts, such as reductions in overseas aid, to help increase military funding.

His comments come after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, criticising the government’s approach and arguing it had failed to commit sufficient funding to ensure national security.

Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also stepped down, prompting a ministerial reshuffle in which Louise Sandher-Jones was appointed Armed Forces Minister, Calvin Bailey became veterans minister, and Angela Eagle took on a security role.Starmer stressed that defence remains his “number one priority” and pointed to plans to increase defence spending to 2.68% of national income by 2030, with a longer-term ambition of reaching 3.5% of GDP by 2035.He also reaffirmed his intention to publish the defence investment plan ahead of a NATO summit in July.

The Prime Minister acknowledged political tensions within Labour, with speculation about potential leadership challenges intensified by poor local election results.He warned that any successor would face the same economic pressures and “trade-offs” in government.

Opposition figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, criticised the government for insufficient defence funding, while Liberal Democrats proposed war bonds as a funding solution.

Starmer also addressed internal party criticism, including comments from Wes Streeting, and emphasised that difficult decisions across departments were necessary to maintain fiscal stability while increasing defence capability.