I never expected to be Defence Secretary. It's a great privilege.

I was Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence for two years prior to being appointed Defence Secretary.

I am extremely honoured to be the Defence Secretary, and I would not do the job if I did not think that I could make a useful contribution in the role.

Defence must be more adaptable, able to respond quickly to the changes in the security environment and the character of conflict.

I have always had a keen interest in defence and military history and read more on this subject than anything else.

As the Chief of the Defence Staff says, you don't defend on the goal line. Defending the interests of the U.K. means tackling threats early and at source, and that means intervening overseas.