Wes Streeting Named New UK Defence Secretary

Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has appointed former health minister Wes Streeting as defence secretary in a wider cabinet reshuffle.

The government confirmed the move late Monday as Burnham finalised key ministerial positions.

Reacting to his new role, Streeting said protecting the country remained the government’s foremost responsibility, pledging to ensure the armed forces receive the resources they need while maintaining Britain’s support for its international allies, particularly Ukraine.

France to Approve Social Media Ban for Under-15s

“Keeping our country safe is the first duty of government,” Streeting wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after his appointment.

“We’ll ensure our armed forces have the resources they need and stand steadfast alongside our international allies, especially Ukraine.”

Keeping our country safe is the first duty of government.

It is an honour to take on the role of Defence Secretary. We’ll ensure our armed forces have the resources they need and stand steadfast alongside our international allies, especially Ukraine 🇺🇦

Let’s get to work 🇬🇧 https://t.co/SIsHklbsOq

— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) July 20, 2026

former health minister — Britain’s former health secretary Wes Streeting (L) arrives at Downing Street in London on July 20, 2026, as cabinet appointments are being made after Andy Burnham became Britain’s new prime minister. Burnham vowed on July 20 to put forward a 10-year plan for Britain, saying the country needed to make politics work. (Photo by Henry NICHOLLS / AFP)

The 43-year-old, who comes from a working-class background and is regarded as being on the right of the Labour Party, previously served as health secretary before resigning in May after saying he had lost confidence in then-prime minister Keir Starmer.

Streeting had initially considered contesting the Labour leadership against Burnham before withdrawing from the race.

UK PM Burnham Reshuffles Cabinet

He replaces John Healey, who was moved to the role of finance minister as part of Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle.

Healey stepped down as defence secretary last month, accusing the previous government of failing to provide adequate funding for national defence despite growing security threats. He argued that the Treasury had been unwilling to commit the resources needed to strengthen Britain’s military capabilities.

“You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats,” Healey wrote in a resignation letter at the time.