John Reid has replaced Geoff Hoon as the UK's secretary of state for defence, pledging a clean start following criticism of the UK's role in the 2003 Iraq war. Describing himself as "the armed forces' man in the cabinet", Reid says the UK's decision to go to war with Iraq was right, but that ongoing operations in the country were "the major challenge" facing its armed forces. Lord Drayson has become minister for defence procurement, with Don Touhig undersecretary of state for defence. Adam Ingram has retained his post as minister for the armed forces.
Source: Flight International