Toby Dickinson

Defence & International Security Policy adviser; Former Co-Chair @labourforces; ex @RoyalAirForce; Fellow @theRSAorg Member @AeroSociety

[Josh Fenton-Glynn MP @JoshFG]

In year 7 at Calder High School Mrs. Gardner was one of my most fun teachers. I don’t think either of us imagined that years later we’d both be part of a new intake of fantastic Labour MPs @AllisonCGardner

[Al Carns @AlistairCarns]

I am deeply honoured to accept Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer’s offer to serve as the new Minister for Veterans Affairs in this new Labour Government under the Ministerial leadership of our Secretary of State for Defence @JohnHealey_MP.

To our veterans, you have sacrificed so much for our nation, and stood and fought with courage, often in the face of the unimaginable, it is my privilege to now to stand for you.

[Luke Pollard MP @LukePollard]

I have accepted an offer from the Prime Minister to serve in the Labour Government and I have today taken up my new role as the Minister for the Armed Forces.

It is a privilege to join @JohnHealey_MP’s Ministerial team in the Ministry of Defence.

[The Labour Party @UKLabour]

Keeping Britain safe is @Keir_Starmer’s top priority.

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

The first duty of my government is to keep our country safe.

I look forward to meeting the UK’s closest allies at the #NATOSummit in Washington D.C. tomorrow.

[Michael Payne MP @MichaelPayneUK]

Congratulations to my predecessor and good friend @Vernon_Coaker on his appointment as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence. He brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role and is an outstanding public servant. Well done Vern!👏🏻

[Jade McGlynn @DrJadeMcGlynn]

Today isn’t a day to be happy about much but I cannot help but feel very honoured to be chairing General Zaluzhnyi’s speech at @RUSI_org land warfare conference. Thank you to @Jack_Watling and Nick Reynolds.

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

“Ukraine has no firmer friend than Britain. And we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win”

Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP reflects on his meeting with President Zelensky and his team yesterday in Odesa.

Read more about the visit 👉 https://t.co/IBHoaopkEo

[BFBS Forces News @ForcesNews]

🗣️ “We have a proud history of service within this community and I stand in front of you ready to serve.”

Forces News speaks to Aldershot's new MP @Ms_Alex_Baker, following the home of the British Army voting in a Labour MP for the first time in history

https://t.co/sBLIMWjKVK

[Toby Dickinson @TobyDickinson]

@mocent0 https://t.co/MMAX53c0A6

[Private Eye Magazine @PrivateEyeNews]

Here's our story from last week's edition about Mark Matlock, the Reform party candidate people are speculating doesn't exist. He's only partly AI-generated, it turned out. Stay ahead, buy the Eye!
https://t.co/2dgAq5kACR

[John Healey @JohnHealey_MP]

In Odessa today with @ZelenskyyUa I made clear that Britain's commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is steadfast.

We will step up UK support for Ukraine with a new military aid package and stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends for as long as it takes.

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

Today marks 19 years since the horrific 7/7 terror attacks where 52 people lost their lives and many more were injured.

Today we remember them, their families and the efforts of our emergency services.

We will always stand united against those who attempt to divide us.

[Toby Dickinson @TobyDickinson]

A pause from work to join Leeds Labour friends and celebrate this week’s election results.

[Bayo Alaba MP @BayoAlaba]

It's been a whirlwind 48 hours, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't exhausted.

But what I want to say first and most is a massive THANK YOU to every single one of the 15,395 voters who backed me to be Southend East & Rochford's first ever Labour MP. I will never forget the trust you have placed in me.

I'd also like to thank all the Labour family members who canvassed for me, phone banked or just sent positive vibes my way.

Over the next few weeks there will be a lot to be done, getting set up to serve you in Parliament and in the constituency.

Southend East & Rochford voted for change on Thursday. On Friday we started the work of delivering it🌹

[Toby Dickinson @TobyDickinson]

In different times and parts of the world I’ve worked with Tom and Dan. This is a characteristically gracious statement here by one professional to another:

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

“The work you do is vital and we are proud of the professionalism and your dedication to serving this nation, both in uniform and out. So thank you for everything that you do.”

Defence Secretary John Healey addressed Armed Forces personnel and MOD civilian staff following his appointment yesterday.

Defence Secretary address to staff - https://t.co/YbrtlgTvzD

[Rt Hon Alistair Burt @AlistairBurtUK]

A really fine appointment. I have known John for many years, when he served diligently in Opposition, and worked hard to make his party electable. He will not let the UK or Armed Forces down. Wish you well, chum- it’s not the easiest world out there.

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

“It is an honour to have been asked to serve in this role and to have the chance to work with our Armed Forces and civilian defence staff.

The first duty of the Government is to keep the country safe and protect our citizens. We are proud of the professionalism and dedication of those serving the UK, both in and out of uniform.

In this new era of threat, challenge and instability, this government is fully committed to strengthening our Armed Forces and setting out a clear path to 2.5% of GDP on defence.

Next week I will attend the 75th anniversary summit of NATO in Washington DC.

This government’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable, as is our commitment to the nuclear deterrent. We will cooperate closely with allies and partners to protect the values at the heart of our democracies.”

[James Heappey @JSHeappey]

Great to see @JohnHealey_MP heading to @DefenceHQ. He’ll have a massive head start having shadowed the department so successfully for so long. Wishing him every success.

[Toby Dickinson @TobyDickinson]

Great news. Delighted to see @JohnHealey_MP confirmed as Defence Secretary.

[UK Prime Minister @10DowningStreet]

The Rt Hon John Healey MP @JohnHealey_MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Defence @DefenceHQ.