Australia news live: Richard Marles left adrift as UK counterpart quits hours before scheduled visit to naval yard

John Healey resigned as Britain's Defence Secretary on June 12, 2026, just hours before a scheduled visit to a naval yard in Portsmouth with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. Healey cited disagreements over a new defence spending plan, which he believed did not "commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats." This unexpected resignation represents a significant blow to the authority of UK leader Keir Starmer. Marles expressed his appreciation for the "close and collaborative working relationship" with Healey and his predecessors, emphasizing the enduring nature of the Australia-UK defence relationship, particularly in the context of the AUKUS security pact. He highlighted the deep connections, shared values, and mutual interests that underpin this bilateral partnership.