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

Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles' planned visit to a naval base in Portsmouth has been impacted by the unexpected resignation of his British counterpart, John Healey. Healey stepped down from his role in the Starmer government, reportedly over disagreements concerning new defense spending plans. He believed the proposed budget did not adequately allocate resources for national defense amid escalating global threats.

Marles had been scheduled to tour the naval yard alongside Healey, highlighting the close defense ties between the two nations. The Australian minister expressed his appreciation for the collaborative working relationship with Healey and his predecessors, emphasizing the enduring nature of the Australia-UK defense relationship, particularly in the context of the Aukus security pact.

The sudden resignation of a key defense official disrupts bilateral diplomatic engagements and raises questions about the stability of the UK government's defense policy and its international partnerships.