Wes Streeting

The unveiling of Brontanax, the UK’s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, is a testament to the extraordinary talent and innovation across our sovereign defence industry.

This is a groundbreaking moment for UK defence, not just for air power, but for reindustrialisation.

We will adopt this as our operational concept demonstrator, and we’re going to get it in the air in 2027.

But I appreciate these are very serious issues and am sorry for any offence inadvertently caused by this moment of levity.

I hope everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new justice secretary - it was a reference to an old May/Clarke joke.

Modernisation without investment is impractical, but investment without modernisation is irresponsible.

This is the mantra I will now follow as defence secretary.

What I will do is put the best possible case for defence to the Treasury.

Our resolve to stand against Russian aggression in Ukraine but also Russian aggression against all of our allies.

We should see yesterday’s events as performative and irresponsible.

We don’t take the contribution they make lightly and we don’t make this ask of the country lightly either.

The commitment that the prime minister has given to the defence of our nation is clear and will be even more clear in the coming months.

We'll ensure our armed forces have the resources they need and stand steadfast alongside our international allies, especially Ukraine.

It is an honour to take on the role of Defence Secretary.

Keeping our country safe is the first duty of government.

As Health Secretary, I announced regular health checks for firefighters, to catch occupational risks like lung cancer.

The BMA tried to block online booking. But patients have spoken and it’s here to stay.

We do our shopping, banking, and entertainment online, so it’s ridiculous to make patients wait on the phone first thing in the morning to see a GP.

I was proud to nominate Andy for Leader of the Labour party this week, for a fresh start for Labour, growth in every postcode, and hope in every heart.

Standing up for your constituents shouldn’t be a sackable offence - whether it’s for disabled people worried they will lose their benefits or farmers who face losing the family farm.

There’ll be an end to the culture of authoritarianism in the Labour Party, where good MPs were kicked out just for disagreeing on policy.

Having spoken at length with Andy in recent days, I’m convinced that there is a place for those ideas under his leadership.

We were elected change our country, to show that politics can be a force for good, and to spread opportunity for everyone. With Andy, we still can.

We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs.

I want to see tax on employment come down when the public finances allow.