The new defence agenda

The appointment of a new Defence Secretary is one of the best things in Gordon Brown’s reshuffle. Des Browne had grown tired at the MoD, struggling to maintain the respect of the rank and file, battling to oversee two ministerial portfolios and failing to manage crises, like the Iranian capture of British sailors. John Hutton’s appointment is a chance for new thinking.

So what should the new defence secretary do in his first 100 days? Here are five ideas.

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James Delingpole

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1) As Charlie Edwards says over on Global Dashboard, John Hutton needs to get himself to Iraq and Afghanistan and take the measure of both campaigns. There is too much confusion about British strategy in Iraq – with the FCO telling visitors Britain’s staying in Basra, and the MoD itching to get out – while NATO’s Afghan campaign is clearly going off the rails.