Working to make government more effective

Online event

In conversation with John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence

The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Rt Hon John Healey MP to discuss his priorities for reforming UK defence.

John Healey

Watch the event

Listen to the event

Photos from this event are available on our Flickr. 

All of our public events are available to listen to afterwards on the IfG EVENTS podcast.

The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, to discuss his priorities for reforming UK defence.

With war in Europe, instability in the Middle East and a new US administration, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has taken centre stage during the Labour government’s first six months in power. But with increasing threats, how will the MOD ensure it stays ahead of the UK’s adversaries and deliver maximum value for taxpayers? How will it contribute to the government’s missions, particularly economic growth?

Healey opened the event with brief remarks on his defence reform programme, after which he was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government, before taking questions from the audience.

Our experts

Political party
Labour
Administration
Starmer government
Public figures
John Healey
Publisher
Institute for Government

Related content

23 APR 2025 Explainer

UK defence spending

Defence spending has grown in political salience in recent years.