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. Defence Secretary reveals name of first Type 26 as manufacture begins

   • 20 July 2017
   • News story

2. £40m investment in high-tech Typhoon Defence System

   • 18 July 2017
   • News story

3. Update: air strikes against Daesh

   • 17 July 2017
   • News story

4. UK extends training of Ukrainian Armed Forces

   • 17 July 2017
   • News story

5. Defence Secretary announces £120m investment in UK air power

   • 14 July 2017
   • News story

6. Defence Secretary celebrates UK's partnerships at Airpower 2017

   • 13 July 2017
   • Speech

7. RAF opens close combat role to women ahead of schedule

   • 13 July 2017
   • News story

8. Defence Secretary announces new Maritime Patrol Aircraft squadrons

   • 13 July 2017
   • News story

9. Defence Secretary welcomes Iraqi Victory in Mosul

   • 10 July 2017
   • News story

10. The Sun Military Awards 2017 open for nominations

    • 10 July 2017
    • News story

View all announcements