Philip Hammond announced as new Defence Secretary

Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP - Picture: via MOD

14 Oct 11 UK MoD - A Defence Policy and Business news article

The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP has been announced as Sectretary of State for Defence.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:

    "I have always been a huge admirer of the professionalism and the dedication of our Armed Forces, so it is a real honour and privilege to be asked by the Prime Minister to take on this role and work with them in maintaining our nation's security

     "This is a particularly important time for Defence. The priorities are the continuing operations overseas and the transformation of the way defence is organised.

     "I am obviously saddened by the circumstances in which this opportunity arises. I think Liam Fox did a brilliant job in turning round the chaos that Labour left behind and in starting to build a sustainable future for our armed forces.

     "I look forward to picking up the baton from Liam and working closely with the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and International Development Secretary to ensure that our defences are robust and that the finances that lie behind them are equally robust.

     "Finally, I pay tribute to our Armed Forces and the civilian personnel who support them. Their dedication, professionalism and heroism is unquestionable and I look forward to working with them to help shape defence for the better."

Mr Hammond was raised in Essex, attending school in Brentwood before going on to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at University College, Oxford. Prior to his election to the House in 1997, he followed a business career in small and medium-sized companies in manufacturing, consultancy, property and construction and oil and gas, both in the UK and abroad.

Mr Hammond previous position was Sectretary of State for Transport. Prior to this he held a number of shadow portfolios.

He is married with three children.