Former defence minister Al Carns turns down ministerial offer
Former defence minister Al Carns has declined a ministerial offer from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, citing ongoing concerns over inadequate military funding. Carns intends to continue advocating for increased defence spending from the back benches.
Why it matters
The resignation and subsequent refusal of a government role highlight internal political friction regarding the UK's national security budget and military readiness.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Al Carns resigned from ex-PM Sir Keir Starmer's government citing concerns over defence spending
Former defence minister Al Carns says he has turned down an offer to serve in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government.
Carns followed John Healey, then defence secretary, in resigning from former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's government last month in a row over planned military funding, which both men said was not high enough.
At the time, Sir Keir replaced Healey with Dan Jarvis, increased funding for the long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip) by a little but notably left a £4.7bn funding gap .
Now Carns says he has been offered a ministerial role by the chief whip, Anneliese Midgely, but declined because he is still concerned about defence funding.
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