I honestly believe that he's been nothing short of formidable in fighting defence's corner in the very best way he could, and my greatest regret is to have seen him taking over Defence at a time in which, simply, there was no alternative to cuts.
Years ago, or hopefully in the future, in quieter days, Liam Fox, i believe, would have been able to deliver great improvements in matters of UK defence.
I'm very sorry, and really worried, while reading the letter with which Liam resigns from his post.
Dear David,
As you know, I have always placed a great deal of importance on accountability and responsibility. As I said in the House of Commons on Monday, I mistakenly allowed the distinction between my personal interest and my government activities to become blurred. The consequences of this have become clearer in recent days. I am very sorry for this.
I have also repeatedly said that the national interest must always come before personal interest. I now have to hold myself to my own standard. I have therefore decided, with great sadness, to resign from my post as Secretary of State for Defence - a position which I have been immensely proud and honoured to have held.
I am particularly proud to have overseen the long overdue reforms to the Ministry of Defence and to our Armed Forces, which will shape them to meet the challenges of the future and keep this country safe.
I am proud also to have played a part in helping to liberate the people of Libya, and I regret that I will not see through to its conclusion Britain's role in Afghanistan, where so much progress has been made.
Above all, I am honoured and humbled to have worked with the superb men and women in our Armed Forces. Their bravery, dedication and professionalism are second-to-none.
I appreciate all the support you have given me - and will continue to support the vital work of this government, above all in controlling the enormous budget deficit we inherited, which is a threat not just to this country's economic prosperity but also to its national security.
I look forward to continuing to represent my constituents in North Somerset.
Yours ever,
Liam
In a time of deep crisis and change, with so many challenges still to be addressed for the future of defence, i'm really worried by the loss of a minister that, i believe, did a very good job, considering the storm he found himself in the middle of.
The future for the Armed Forces is still dangerous and full of challenges, and i fear that Liam Fox's dedication and willingness to fight harshly with the treasury, with the prime minister, and with everyone to ensure that the forces are not maimed, will be sorely missed.
This is a very bad news.
I just hope we won't have to regret it too painfully.
UPDATE:
New defence minister is Philip Hammond, previously Minister for Transports, where he will be replaced by Justine Greening, a junior finance minister.
He is a Treasury friend, but in the sense that he's been a supporter of cuts to public spending. And this is a very bad start.
Commentators describe him as a "reassuringly boring" appointment to calm the waters at the MoD, and this worries me even more, since this is definitely not a time for "reassuringly boring" leaders.
I can only wish the new minister good luck, and hope he proves a good lead for the Armed Forces in this terribly challenging time. But much as i try not to judge him before he even does something, i'll say it again.
I'm worried.
