Some news from me. I’ve accepted a promotion from the Prime Minister to become a Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence.

I’ve loved my time as the Minister for the Armed Forces. It has been a privilege to lead on operations and I’m very proud of the men and women of our armed forces.

I’ve seen our people deployed around the world from Devonport-based HMS Richmond most recently in South Korea to the army in Poland, the Royal Navy in Gibraltar, joint forces in the Falklands and units of all our forces from Devonport to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. I’m proud to have supported our friends in Ukraine as the Minister responsible for our support to keep them in the fight. That work will continue.

With the promotion comes a new job. I have now been tasked with making sure our people have the cutting edge gear needed to be ready for war fighting, boosting growth in every part of the UK. Defence is an engine for growth and with a growing defence budget ahead for the next ten years thanks to decisions the PM and Chancellor have made, making sure we direct more of that at British businesses isn’t just the right thing to do, I know it will help create jobs and growth in every part of the UK.

I’m grateful to Maria Eagle for her work in this role previously and I wish her all the best for the future.

I’m grateful for the messages of support. Thank you. After a first year spent fixing the foundations and putting out the fires left behind by the Tories, we’re now entering a new phase in growing our economy and renewing our country.

The Prime Minister has taken decisive action to put in place a reinvigorated team to rise to that challenge and deliver the change people voted for. I’m proud to be part of that and am looking forward to the new challenges ahead.