West Midlands MP doesn’t pull any punches in his assessment

John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary because the Prime Minister is “too weak” to stand up to the Treasury, West Midlands MP Sir Gavin Williamson said today.

Sir Gavin, who served as Defence Secretary from 2017 to 2019, gave his reaction before speaking at the Defence Procurement Conference at Millennium Point in Birmingham, moments after Healey sent his letter of resignation to Keir Starmer.

“It’s quite obvious that John has been frustrated in getting the investment that is needed,” said Sir Gavin, Conservative MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge.

“Keir Starmer’s too weak to make it clear as to what needs to be happening, and the Treasury has won the day.

“Treasury never wants to spend money that’s needed for defence – and Treasury has triumphed. 

“Keir Starmer has been too weak, and John has ended up going because he knows that he can’t turn around, with his hand on his heart, and say that the money that is coming is enough to keep us safe.”

Sir Gavin made his comments from the Defence Procurement Conference, taking place at Millennium Point in Birmingham today (Thurs) and Friday.

It is West Midlands’ first dedicated forum for connecting SMEs, including manufacturers, with key figures in the MoD (Minister of Defence) and its wider supply chain network.

The event is being staged in the wake of long-trailed Government commitments to increase MoD supply chain spending from £4.5bn annually to £7.5bn in the coming years.

Professor Paul Cadman, organiser of the Defence Procurement Conference, said: “For West Midlands businesses, whether in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, autonomy or professional services, the window to enter the supply chain is open.

“If you are an SME wanting to break into the defence sector, the smart move is to come and see what’s happening on June 11 and 12 and see the vast array of opportunities on offer in the UK’s key growth sector.”