John Healey

Husband and Dad. Proud Yorkshireman. Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough and Secretary of State for Defence.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Lieutenant Commander Gayson, Lieutenant Fisher and Petty Officer Green embodied the best of our Armed Forces. Their loss is truly devastating.

Tonight, we are all thinking of their families, loved ones and those who served alongside them at this deeply tragic time.

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

It is with great sadness that we can confirm the deaths of Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher of 846 Naval Air Squadron, and Petty Officer Owen Green of 845 Naval Air Squadron, who died in Devon during routine training activity on 3 June.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel overnight. They served with excellence and will be much missed.

All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time.

I thank the emergency services for their response.

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Lance Corporal James Freeman served our country with dedication, professionalism and pride.

He was a greatly valued member of his regiment who will be deeply missed.

My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Lance Corporal James Freeman, who died on 31 May following a tragic accident during routine military training activity whilst deployed on Operation SHADER, Iraq.

[Luke Pollard MP @LukePollard]

Tonight Labour MPs voted for the Armed Forces Bill. It’s a boost for our forces, puts the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and creates the new Defence Housing Service to end the scandal of terrible military family homes we inherited from the Tories. 🇬🇧

[Al Carns @AlistairCarns]

Armed Forces Bill moving through Parliament…it’s important…watch below⬇️⬇️⬇️🫡🫡

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Putin’s indiscriminate attacks on Ukraine overnight are shocking. My thoughts are with all those killed and injured.

In his desperation, Putin is continuing his brutal onslaught as Ukraine inflicts a heavy price on Russia on the battlefield.

The UK will stand firm with Ukraine.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

I am deeply saddened by the death of a British service person during a training exercise.

My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

We’re getting UK-built kit into the hands of our forces as we protect Britain, support skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK.

These interceptor missiles are battle-proven – successfully used in action by our RAF sharp shooters in recent months.  

https://t.co/8DVCuYMgSD

[Secretary of War Pete Hegseth @SecWar]

Good to see DPM @RichardMarlesMP and Secretary @JohnHealey_MP for the AUKUS Defense Ministers’ Meeting.

At President Trump’s direction, we are moving “full steam ahead.”

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

New defence deal secured 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸

Today, we announced the first ever AUKUS pillar 2 signature project.

Backed by over £150M, our new weapons and sensors for undersea drones will secure the High North and Indo Pacific.

We’re full steam ahead on AUKUS.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Great to meet with my friend, Australian Deputy Prime Minister @RichardMarlesMP in Singapore today.

Our strong and historic partnership strengthens global security and stability in a more dangerous world. 🇬🇧🤝🇦🇺

[Luke Pollard MP @LukePollard]

It was great to visit the team at @saab in Fareham this week. World-class radar systems, built by brilliant people right here in the UK, are exactly the kind of British capabilities we need to be backing.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Russia’s reckless and illegal actions in Ukraine are spreading beyond their borders.

The UK stands firm with Romania. RAF jets are already deployed to Romania to support @NATO air policing.

We will work with @SecGenNATO to help strengthen that presence if needed.

[Mark Rutte @SecGenNATO]

I just spoke with President @NicusorDanRO of Romania about the Russian drone that hit a residential building in Galati. I assured him of NATO’s absolute solidarity with Romania and expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident. I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones.

Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.

Russia’s war needs to end, as does Russia’s disregard for civilian safety. For our part, we will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defence at home and continue our support for Ukraine as they defend against Russia’s aggression.

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

Last night a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and hit a residential building, injuring civilians.

Time and again, Russia has shown it has no regard for civilian life, international law, or sovereignty of its neighbours.

We stand with Ukraine, Romania and all NATO allies.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Big news that Ukraine will get new Gripen fighter jets to strengthen their defences.

With over 30% of each jet UK-built, this is set to provide a £500 million boost to the economy and support over 5,000 jobs across the UK.

Hats off to Sweden’s leadership to secure this deal.

[Pål Jonson @PlJonson]

🇸🇪🇺🇦 The Gripens are coming.

Russia tried to break Ukraine from the skies. Ukraine is now building air power with Swedish fighters: buying up to 20 Gripen E/F for its future air force, while Sweden will donate 16 Gripen C/D.

A new chapter for Ukraine’s air defence. (1/8)

[Luke Pollard MP @LukePollard]

This is a new chapter for Ukraine's air defences and as Russian aggression grows, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and our NATO allies like Sweden.

With over 30% of each Gripen built in Britain, this deal supports thousands of good British jobs here at home 🇬🇧🇸🇪🇺🇦

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Pleased to welcome @BaggyShanker to the Ministry of Defence team as my new PPS.

He brings a wealth of local government and private sector experience.

Looking forward to working together to deliver for our forces around the world and for people and businesses at home.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

In Estonia, where our troops stand with allies defending @NATO's Eastern flank.

This is what Britain's ‘NATO first’ commitment looks like in action 🇬🇧

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

Today at the @Nat_Mem_Arb I joined veterans, families and serving personnel to mark the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC in Iraq.

We remember with gratitude the courage, professionalism and dedication of the UK Armed Forces – and those who did not return home.

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

The rising defence investment under this Government comes with a fundamentally new Labour approach.

A Back British mission to boost skills, productivity and innovation across our UK communities.

At @GoodGrowthFdn this week, I laid how.