Defence Secretary is a full-time job

David Cameron wrote to Gordon Brown on Friday to urge him to reconsider his decision to make the Defence Secretary a part-time post.

In the light of comments from five former military chiefs criticising the Prime Minister's decision, David wrote:

"At a time when our Forces are engaged in two highly dangerous missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the need for the Defence Secretary to be able to concentrate full-time on his role is surely a matter of plain common sense."

And David stressed to Gordon Brown the need to appoint someone who could devote his total attention to the role, "unencumbered by other responsibilities within Government."

The Prime Minister has made Des Browne, the current Defence Secretary, Scottish secretary as well.