Grant Shapps appointed as the new defense secretary

author: FutureCar Staff    

Grant Shapps, a close ally of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been appointed as the new U.K. defense secretary in a Cabinet reshuffle ahead of the upcoming general election. This decision follows the resignation of Ben Wallace, who served as defense secretary for four years. During his tenure, Wallace oversaw Britain's military response to the war in Ukraine.

Shapps has been a member of the Cabinet since 2019 and previously held the position of secretary of state for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. He has been a strong supporter of Sunak, having backed him during his campaign to become Conservative Party leader and prime minister last year.

In his resignation letter, Wallace emphasized the need for increased funding for the military, a cause he has long championed. He expressed his belief that the world will become more insecure and unstable in the coming years and stressed the importance of investing in defense. However, Wallace also acknowledged the personal toll that his dedication to serving the country has taken on him and his family.

Although Shapps is known for his communication skills, he lacks experience in the complex realm of defense, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Nevertheless, he expressed his commitment to working with the brave men and women of the Armed Forces and continuing the UK's support for Ukraine in its fight against Vladimir Putin's invasion.

Shapps recently visited Kyiv, where he toured a power plant undergoing repairs after a Russian bombing. This visit was part of the government's efforts to support Ukraine's fuel supplies, and Shapps pledged a £192 million loan guarantee to help the country through the winter and reduce its reliance on Russian fuel.

In the Cabinet reshuffle, Claire Coutinho has been appointed as the new energy secretary, replacing Shapps. Coutinho, who was elected to Parliament in 2019, previously served as minister for children, families, and well-being. As the energy secretary, she will face the critical task of addressing escalating fuel and utility costs caused by the war in Ukraine, which has contributed to a cost of living crisis affecting many people.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, highlighted the importance of the energy secretary's role in reforming Britain's energy system. He emphasized the record-high energy bills, increased daily standing charges, and rising levels of energy debt that consumers are currently facing.

FutureCar Staff