Williamson on manoeuvres

The new Defence Secretary’s rawness may make him more likely to dig in against the Treasury than otherwise – precisely because he has a point to prove.

WATCH: “I’ve always seen two per cent as a base” for defence spending, not a ceiling, says Williamson

The Defence Secretary made the remark in his first Commons outing in his new role.

Andrew Wood: Yes, Singapore really is an example we can learn from. But not for the reasons some Tories give.

It is not especially low tax, nor is it unregulated – though it is certainly a more business-friendly environment then the UK. Here is why it works.

Dom Morris: Further cuts to the navy’s amphibious capabilities would threaten the prospects of Global Britain

The Task Force dispatched in response to Hurricane Irma was a remarkable achievement. If the rumoured cuts go ahead, we will not be able to repeat it.

Iain Duncan Smith: The many challenges facing the new Defence Secretary

Williamson must ensure that our Armed Forces have enough troops, that the MoD gets them the equipment they need, and help drive reform in NATO.

“The baby-faced assassin” is Defence Secretary. Has he already launched a coup?

Gavin Williamson is gifted, well-connected, successful – and not devoid of ambition. His former deputy is now Chief Whip. This is a controversial appointment.

WATCH: Mercer – “After Brexit there is an increased role for the Armed Forces, and we’ve got to fund it”

“We need to talk about as a party what we look like after Brexit, and I hope that veterans’ care and being a party of defence means something.”

Garvan Walshe: The US Congress should stick with the Iran Deal

The deal won’t stop Iran’s nuclear programme for good, but it is still better than alternative, military means of non-proliferation.

Exclusive: Fallon writes to Corbyn over “deeply concerning” anti-NATO policy

The Defence Secretary calls on the Labour leader to reject his youth wing’s position.

Let that lion roar: Johnson’s speech in full

“A society that does not judge you for where you come from or your background or how you live your life provided you do no harm to others that is the syncretic genius of our country.”

Facing the future: Davis’s speech in full

“Of course sometimes the exchanges are tough, but that is to be expected…because the prizes for success are enormous. As are the consequences of failure.”

Lord Ashcroft: The general election. How the Conservatives damaged their reputation for competence without gaining one for compassion.

Nearly everything believed to exercise Labour more than the Tories was also named more often as a priority for “me and my family” than for Britain as a whole.

Michael Fallon: Three years into our campaign against Daesh, the black flags are being torn down

We can be proud of the military campaigns in Iraq and Syria. There remains much to do and we will stay the course.

Iain Duncan Smith: Brexit. Why the Government must prepare for no deal now.

The arrogant behaviour of the EU so far, bordering on the deliberately offensive, is a bluff that we need to call.

Iain Dale: Abortion, same-sex marriage, and Rees-Mogg. He would be a brilliant Speaker. But I fear he has now blown it.

Plus: Cable, the Saudis, arms – and hypocrisy. MPs, the EU Withdrawal Bill, Henry VIII clauses – and hypocrisy. And: on a different note, why isn’t Zahawi a Minister?