MOD Permanent Secretary Named New National Security Adviser

The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) says he is "delighted" to be named as the new National Security Adviser.

Sir Stephen Lovegrove, who has held the position at the MOD since April 2016, will take up his new role at the end of March.

As National Security Adviser, Sir Stephen will manage the foreign, international economic and national security teams within the Cabinet Secretariat.

He will also advise the Prime Minister and Cabinet on all matters of international and domestic security.

"It has been an immense privilege to serve as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence for the past five years," he said.

"Working with the whole force – our Armed Forces, both regular and reserve, civil servants, our suppliers and everyone that makes up the defence community – has been an honour.

"On this broader canvas I aim to deliver the Prime Minister's vision for an enhanced and more engaged role for the UK in the world, leading the national security community to embrace the opportunities now available to us, while ensuring we are well prepared to deal with the challenges we face."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "delighted" to appoint Sir Stephen as National Security Adviser and looked forward to working with him to "deliver this Government's vision for the UK in the world".

Former chief Brexit negotiator Lord David Frost had been due to fill the role, but will instead be appointed as Representative for Brexit and International Policy and as the head of a new International Policy Unit.

Lord Frost's planned appointment to the key post of National Security Adviser had been criticised because, unlike previous holders of the post, he is a political adviser rather than a career civil servant, and lacks security experience.

He will work with Sir Stephen to finalise the Integrated Review and continue to advise on foreign policy issues as necessary. 

Cover image: Sir Stephen Lovegrove (Picture: MOD).