Ministerial role

Secretary of State for Defence

Contents

Responsibilities

The Secretary of State for Defence has overall responsibility for the business of the department including:

  • strategic operations and operational strategy, including membership of the National Security Council
  • defence planning, programme and resource allocation
  • strategic international partnerships: US, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, NATO
  • nuclear operations, policy and organisations
  • strategic communications

Current role holder: The Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon MP

Sir Michael Fallon was elected Conservative MP for Sevenoaks, Kent in 1997.

Education

Michael was educated at Epsom College and the University of St Andrews.

Political career

Michael was MP for Darlington from 1983 to 1992. He was a minister in the Department for Education and Science from 1990 to 1992. More recently he has held positions on the Treasury Select Committee and was Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. He was appointed Minister for Business and Enterprise in September 2012 and Minister of State for Energy in March 2013. In 2014 he also became Minister for Portsmouth. He was appointed Defence Secretary on 15 July 2014.

Career outside politics

Michael is a former director of Bannatyne Fitness Ltd (fitness clubs), Quality Care Homes plc (nursing homes), Just Learning Ltd (nurseries), Attendo AB (Scandinavian social and health care) and Tullett Prebon plc (inter-dealing broking).

Personal life

Michael is married and has 2 children.

More about this person

Previous holders of this role

  1. The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP

    • 2011 to 2014

  2. The Rt Hon Liam Fox MP

    • 2010 to 2011

Announcements

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  1. UK sets up joint Caribbean Coordination Cell with French and Dutch allies

    • News story

  2. Defence Secretary recognises UK efforts in the fight against Daesh with service medal

    • News story

  3. New agreement strengthens UK-Saudi Arabia Defence relationship

    • News story

  4. Defence Secretary strengthens UK-Qatar Defence relationship

    • Press release

  5. UK Defence Chief appointed as NATO Chairman of Military Committee

    • News story

  6. Opening of the RBLI Invictus and Victory Houses

    • Speech

  7. PM meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak: 14 Sept 2017

    • Press release

  8. Defence Secretary Keynote Speech at DSEI 2017 – 13 September

    • Speech

  9. UK offers deep security partnership with EU post-Brexit in the face of growing global threats

    • News story

  10. Britain's second aircraft carrier named in Rosyth

    • News story
View all announcements