The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP has been announced as British Secretary of State for Defence.
Mr 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 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.”
– UK MOD