Security & Defence

SNP leader and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon sets out party's plans to 'change the direction' of next government, as David Cameron pledges yearly Treasury and Cabinet Office review of impact of devolved decisions

Foreign Office announces that its permanent secretary Simon Fraser is to leave Whitehall at the end of July

Lord Kerslake tells the Financial Times pressure on other budgets could be made "more acute" by protection of defence spending

Four years on, has the Aerospace Growth Partnership given the aviation industry an uplift? Colin Marrs investigates

Report by MPs on the Defence Committee says UK must be prepared to deal with both 'unconventional and conventional threats'

Former environment secretary set to pressure government over Ministry of Defence budget, while defence secretary Michael Fallon says he will be 'fighting' against MoD cuts

MPs on the Public Accounts Committee warn commercial skills gap at Defence Equipment and Support will undermine MoD efforts to reduce costs if not addressed

With the defence budget becoming ever more contentious, the MoD’s permanent secretary Jon Thompson must continue to balance spending decisions with national security. It’s a tough job – but one he’s privileged to do, he tells Jess Bowie. Photos by Paul Heartfield

Former Royal Mail managing director Mark Thomson to become director general of Passport Office for three-year term

Former head of MI6 intelligence agency Sir Richard Dearlove says 'lack of trust' in politicians means new regulator needed

Advance sight of a Cabinet Office review into the civil service's LGBT record, another SNP-Whitehall fracas, and feverish Budget speculation make our regular round-up of Whitehall in the headlines

Legal framework around surveillance too complicated, says Intelligence and Security Committee

Northern Irish unionist party the DUP says 2% defence pledge a 'very clear' part of terms for coalition support

Intelligence and Security Committee publishes long-awaited findings of inquiry prompted by Edward Snowden leaks

David Cameron gave his personal assurance that defence spending would rise from 2015, according to Liam Fox’s former special adviser. 

General Sir Peter Wall says 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review assumed 'benign' world situation

Departmental budgets, the Highways Agency and Gus O'Donnell on the Queen's VE day plans make our regular round-up of Whitehall in the headlines

Think tank RUSI says UK unlikely to meet 2% Nato target

Committee urges greater diversity in intelligence agencies

Independent Commission for Aid Impact says security and justice work lacks focus, but praises more targeted efforts in Malawi and Bangladesh

Solent Gateway Limited named as MoD favourite to manage military port near Southampton

Defence committee chair stresses warning over Russian expertise

Joint Committee on National Security Strategy says failure to prepare could "damage the quality of the strategy"