https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230901_N02/

British defence secretary resigns

Wallace was a soldier who rose to become a captain in the army. He was appointed defence secretary four years ago by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and oversaw the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Wallace has also taken a leading role in shaping support for Ukraine. He was the first among his peers to champion the delivery of long-range cruise missiles and tanks.

Wallace wrote in his resignation letter that the UK "must not return to the days" when defense spending was viewed as a "discretionary." He said he believes that the world will become "more insecure and unstable" over the next decade. Wallace had been seen as a candidate to lead NATO. However, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg agreed in July to stay on for another year. Wallace later announced that he was ready to quit as a lawmaker to "pursue new opportunities." Wallace will be replaced by Grant Shapps, the former energy secretary. Shapps has promised to press ahead in the fight against what he called "Putin's barbaric invasion."

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230901_N02/