Ministerial role

Secretary of State for Defence

Contents

Responsibilities

The Secretary of State for Defence has overall responsibility for the business of the department providing strategic direction on policy, operations, acquisition and personnel matters, including:

  • operational strategy, including as a member of the National Security Council
  • defence planning, programme and resource allocation
  • international relations including lead for US, France and Saudi Arabia
  • defence exports policy, including as chair of the cross-Government Exports Working Group
  • nuclear programme
  • communications

Current role holder: The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP

The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP was appointed Defence Secretary on 15 July 2014. He has been the Conservative MP for Sevenoaks, Kent, since 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.

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

Policies

  1. Maintaining operational readiness to provide military support for activities in the UK

    • 21 May 2013

  2. Working towards nuclear disarmament

    • 25 March 2013

  3. Meeting NATO and EU Treaty defence commitments

    • 12 December 2012

  4. Maintaining an effective, independent nuclear deterrent

    • 12 December 2012
View all policies

Announcements

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  1. Liam Fox outlines reform of the Ministry of Defence

    • 14 December 2012
    • Announcement

  2. Liam Fox: NATO support crucial to building Afghan forces

    • 14 December 2012
    • Announcement

  3. New Lead Non-Executive for Defence appointed

    • 20 September 2011
    • Announcement

  4. 2011/09/15 - Transforming the Management of Defence

    • 15 September 2011
    • Speech

  5. 2011/09/13 - Building Security, Celebrating Success

    • 13 September 2011
    • Speech

  6. Statement on the report into the death of Mr Baha Mousa in Iraq in 2003

    • 8 September 2011
    • Statement to Parliament

  7. 2011/08/30 - Partnership with Purpose: Multi-Layered Security in the 21st Century

    • 30 August 2011
    • Speech

  8. Operational Allowance extended to Libya operations

    • 13 July 2011
    • Announcement

  9. 2011/07/13 - Air Power in an Age of Uncertainty

    • 13 July 2011
    • Speech

  10. 2011/06/27 - Reforming Defence

    • 27 June 2011
    • Speech
View all announcements