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One of the longest-serving Defence Secretaries in the history of the role, Ben also served in the military and the private sector, before joining the Northern Ireland Office and the Home Office. Few politicians have Ben's extensive knowledge of security, defence and foreign affairs, and he delivers insights into the personalities, threats, allegiances and priorities that shape the world.
Sir Ben Wallace served as Secretary of State for Defence following a career combining politics, military and the private sector. The longest serving Defence Secretary in over 20 years, and the second-longest tenure in the history of the role, he is one of the most experienced politicians in the fields of defence, security and foreign affairs. His time at the MoD coincided with key events in Ukraine, Afghanistan, as well as in the UK, and saw rapid changes in the nature and source of threats.
After attending the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Ben was commissioned into the Scots Guards and served for almost a decade, rising to the rank of captain. Having worked with military colleagues from disadvantaged parts of the country, Ben entered politics and was elected to the Scottish Parliament to represent North East Scotland. He left Holyrood and joined aerospace business QinetiQ as their Overseas Director in the Security & Intelligence Division before returning to politics, this time as a Westminster MP.
An MP for almost two decades, Ben served in the Northern Ireland Office and Home Office, with the latter as Minister for Security and Economic Crime. During his time in this later role, where he was responsible for counter-terrorism, cyber-security, and counter-espionage, he was involved in responses to the Salisbury poisonings and the Westminster terror attack. Then appointed Secretary of State for Defence, Ben's time in office saw significant challenges and global incidents. With the rise of AI and both state and non-state cyber threats, he oversaw the establishment of the National Cyber Force. He worked closely with NATO on defence reform and planning, as well as alongside the Pentagon, CIA and White House. He was key to realising the AUKUS nuclear and technology alliance between the US, UK and Australia in an increasingly sensitive Indo-Pacific region. His time also coincided with the British withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and he played a lead role in the UK’s support for and supply to Ukrainian forces.
With extensive knowledge of many aspects of security and geopolitics, Ben delivers insights into the relationships, personalities, risks and priorities that shape the world. He explores the big picture issues that affect everything from investment to supply chain, and considers what the future holds for business and politics.
