Foreign Affairs

Former environment secretary set to pressure government over Ministry of Defence budget, while defence secretary Michael Fallon says he will be 'fighting' against MoD cuts

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 head of MI6 intelligence agency Sir Richard Dearlove says 'lack of trust' in politicians means new regulator needed

Philip Smith, deputy head of the UK's aid programme in Malawi, explains how the Department for International Development is helping the country respond to devastating floods

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

General Sir Peter Wall says 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review assumed 'benign' world situation

Think tank RUSI says UK unlikely to meet 2% Nato target

Independent Commission for Aid Impact says security and justice work lacks focus, but praises more targeted efforts in Malawi and Bangladesh

Defence committee chair stresses warning over Russian expertise