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Secretary of State for Defence facts for kids

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For the Spanish minister, see Secretary of State for Defence (Spain).
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United Kingdom
Secretary of State for Defence
Flag of the British Secretary of State for Defence.svg
Coat of arms of the United Kingdom (2022, lesser arms).svg
Dan Jarvis official portrait 1 (cropped2).jpg
Incumbent
Dan Jarvis
since 11 June 2026
Ministry of Defence
Style
Member of
  • Cabinet
  • Privy Council
  • National Security Council
  • Defence Council
  • Admiralty Board
  • Army Board
  • Air Force Board
Reports to The Prime Minister
Seat Westminster
Nominator The Prime Minister
Appointer The Monarch
(on the advice of the Prime Minister)
Term length At His Majesty's pleasure
Constituting instrument Defence (Transfer of Functions) Act 1964 section 1(1)(a)
Precursor
Formation 1 April 1964
First holder Peter Thorneycroft
Deputy Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry
Salary £159,038 per annum (2022)
(including £86,584 MP salary)

The Secretary of State for Defence, often called the Defence Secretary, is a very important job in the Government of the United Kingdom. This person is in charge of the Ministry of Defence. Their main role is to make sure the country's defence is strong and safe.

This top minister is also a member of the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. The Cabinet is a group of senior government officials who help the Prime Minister make big decisions for the country.

The job of Defence Secretary started on April 1, 1964. It brought together several older roles, like the Minister of Defence and leaders of the Navy, Army, and Air Force. All these jobs became part of the new Ministry of Defence. In 2019, Penny Mordaunt made history as the first woman to hold this important position.

The Defence Secretary works with other ministers and a team of experts in the Ministry of Defence. They also get feedback from a group called the Defence Select Committee.

Currently, Dan Jarvis is the Secretary of State for Defence. He took on this role on June 11, 2026.

What the Defence Secretary Does

The Defence Secretary has many important jobs to keep the United Kingdom safe. Here are some of their main tasks:

  • They create big plans and watch over how the country's defence forces operate. They are part of the National Security Council.
  • They oversee the country's nuclear defence and related policies.
  • They look at how defence plans are put into action and how money is spent on defence.
  • They manage the entire Defence budget.
  • They work on defence plans for Europe and the Atlantic region.
  • They help plan and decide where money and resources go for defence.
  • They build and keep strong friendships with important international partners. These include countries like the United States, France, Germany, Australia, and Ukraine.
  • They oversee programs that support military veterans.
  • They handle important international defence projects, like AUKUS and GCAP.
  • They make sure defence rules and regulations are followed.

A Look at Defence Leadership History

The role of Defence Secretary has a rich history, evolving over many years to meet the country's changing needs.

Early Defence Coordination (1936–1940)

Before the current role, there was a "Minister for Co-ordination of Defence." This job was created in 1936. Its purpose was to help organize and strengthen Britain's defences. This was especially important as World War II approached. However, this role was eventually phased out in April 1940. Its duties were then given to other ministers.

The Minister of Defence Role (1940–1964)

In May 1940, during World War II, Winston Churchill created a new position: "Minister of Defence." He took on this role himself. This was to ensure there was one clear leader for the country's war efforts. After the war, this minister became the main Cabinet member for military matters. The leaders of the Navy, Army, and Air Force then reported to this minister.

The Modern Defence Secretary (1964–Present)

The current "Secretary of State for Defence" job was created on April 1, 1964. This was a big change! It combined the older roles of Minister of Defence, First Lord of the Admiralty (Navy), Secretary of State for War (Army), and Secretary of State for Air (Air Force). All these separate departments merged into one big Ministry of Defence. This made the country's defence leadership more unified and efficient.

The first person to hold this modern title was Peter Thorneycroft. Since then, many dedicated individuals have served in this crucial role.

Recent Defence Secretaries

Here are some of the people who have served as the UK's Defence Secretary in recent years:

  • Michael Fallon: Served from July 2014 to November 2017.
  • Gavin Williamson: Held the position from November 2017 to May 2019.
  • Penny Mordaunt: Served from May 2019 to July 2019. She was the first woman to be Defence Secretary.
  • Ben Wallace: Served from July 2019 to August 2023.
  • Grant Shapps: Held the position from August 2023 to July 2024.
  • John Healey: Served from July 2024 to June 2026.
  • Dan Jarvis: Became the Defence Secretary on June 11, 2026, and is currently serving.

Images for kids

  • Echatfield

    Ernle Chatfield, Minister for Co-ordination of Defence (1939–1940)

  • Churchill in 1944 (cropped 3x4)

    Winston Churchill, Minister of Defence (1940–1945)

  • Clement Attlee (cropped)

    Clement Attlee, Minister of Defence (1945–1946)

  • INF3-62 A V Alexander Artist's signature E A B

    A. V. Alexander, Minister of Defence (1946–1950)

  • Emanuel Shinwel HU 059765 (crop)

    Emanuel Shinwell, Minister of Defence (1950–1951)

  • Faltmarsalk-Alexander-Harold-352047193711

    Harold Alexander, Minister of Defence (1952–1954)

  • Harold Macmillan (cropped)

    Harold Macmillan, Minister of Defence (1954–1955)

  • SelwynLloyd1960

    Selwyn Lloyd, Minister of Defence (1955)

  • Walter Monckton cropped

    Walter Monckton, Minister of Defence (1955–1956)

  • Blank

    Antony Head, Minister of Defence (1956–1957)

  • Sandys 1944 cropped

    Duncan Sandys, Minister of Defence (1957–1959)

  • Blank

    Harold Watkinson, Minister of Defence (1959–1962)

  • Peter Thorneycroft cropped

    Peter Thorneycroft, Minister of Defence (1962–1964) and first Secretary of State for Defence (1964)

  • Denis Healey 2

    Denis Healey, Secretary of State for Defence (1964–1970)

  • Peter Carington 1984

    Peter Carington, Secretary of State for Defence (1970–1974)

  • Fred Mulley

    Fred Mulley, Secretary of State for Defence (1976–1979)

  • Francis Leslie Pym

    Francis Pym, Secretary of State for Defence (1979–1981)

  • John Nott 02 (cropped)

    John Nott, Secretary of State for Defence (1981–1983)

  • Meeting of the Kangaroo group in December 1988 with British MP Michael HESELTINE 2 (cropped)

    Michael Heseltine, Secretary of State for Defence (1983–1986)

  • George Younger

    George Younger, Secretary of State for Defence (1986–1989)

  • Official portrait of Lord King of Bridgwater crop 2

    Tom King, Secretary of State for Defence (1989–1992)

  • Malcolm Rifkind

    Malcolm Rifkind, Secretary of State for Defence (1992–1995)

  • Michael Portillo (cropped)

    Michael Portillo, Secretary of State for Defence (1995–1997)

  • Defense.gov News Photo 980603-D-9880W-177 (cropped)

    George Robertson, Secretary of State for Defence (1997–1999)

  • The Secretary of State for Defence, UK, Mr. Geoff Hoon calls on the External Affairs Minister Shri Natwar Singh in New Delhi on October 06 2004 (cropped)

    Geoff Hoon, Secretary of State for Defence (1999–2005)

  • ReidTaormina crop

    John Reid, Secretary of State for Defence (2005–2006)

  • Browne and gates (cropped)

    Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence (2006–2008)

  • Msc 2009-Sunday, 11.00 - 12.30 Uhr-Zwez 005 Hutton detail

    John Hutton, Secretary of State for Defence (2008–2009)

  • Bob Ainsworth cropped

    Bob Ainsworth, Secretary of State for Defence (2009–2010)

  • Liam Fox MP (cropped)

    Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence (2010–2011)

  • Meeting at the Pentagon 130502-M-EV637-528 (cropped)

    Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Defence (2011–2014)

  • Michael Fallon February 2015

    Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence (2014–2017)

  • Official portrait of Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP crop 2

    Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence (2017–2019)

  • Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt

    Penny Mordaunt, Secretary of State for Defence (2019)

  • Ben Wallace official portrait (cropped)

    Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence (2019–2023)

  • Grant Shapps Official Cabinet Portrait, October 2022 (cropped)

    Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence (2023–2024)

  • John Healey Official Cabinet Portrait, July 2024 (cropped) 2

    John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence (2024–2026)

  • Dan Jarvis official portrait 1 (cropped)

    Dan Jarvis, Secretary of State for Defence (2026–Present)

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