Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJane DaltonWednesday 22 July 2026 22:54 BSTMoment Al Cars announces he will not run against Andy BurnhamFormer defence minister Al Carns has declined an offer to return to government, citing that the defence funding issue, which led to his previous resignation, has not yet been settled.Carns resigned in June, alongside then-defence secretary John Healey, over concerns that the defence funding on the table was inadequate for the threats facing the country.New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not committed to increasing defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030, a target advocated by his Chancellor, John Healey.Carns stated that accepting another role now would suggest the argument over defence funding was resolved, which he believes is not the case.He intends to continue making the case for increased defence spending from the backbenches, acknowledging that John Healey's appointment as Chancellor changes the picture positively.In fullAl Carns declines offer to return to government as defence funding ‘has not been settled’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in