Security & Defence

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