A former British Army head has said he is “disappointed” that Wes Streeting has been made defence secretary.
Lord Dannatt told Times Radio: “A new defence secretary has a lot to learn, the defence portfolio is one of the more complicated ones in government and as far as I’m aware Wes Streeting has got no background in defence, no background in the military.
“So he’s going to have to do an awful lot of listening and learning over the next few days and weeks before he can start to make a contribution.
“Now, the professionals in the Ministry of Defence, the service chiefs, the permanent secretary, they all know their stuff, and they will get on with the day-to-day business.
“So, frankly, if you’re asking me the question, I’m disappointed that Wes Streeting was appointed to defence secretary, I think there are other people who have a longer background in defence – Dan Jarvis, who’s only just been appointed, I think was a good appointment after John Healey, personally, I’m disappointed that he’s not remained in the job.
“But if Wes Streeting is prepared to listen, to learn, then there’s no reason why, over time, he can’t be an effective defence secretary – but he’s got to remember that the man in Number 11 actually knows the stuff about defence, and there’s no point trying to pull the wool over his eyes.”