Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP- The Minister for Defence People & Families

The Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP is a Minister at the MOD and we were excited to record this episode in the heart of our nation's Defence HQ at MOD Main Building. 

We talk about the Invictus Games, Ukraine, his service in the Royal Navy as a doctor, both regular and reserve, his family, Defence and the various ministerial roles he has served in.

We also share a special message this Christmas time to all those from the Armed Forces serving over the break.

Big thanks to the MOD for their help in delivery this episode.

About the Minister

Dr Andrew Murrison was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence on 30 October 2022.

He was previously Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development from 9 May 2019 to 13 February 2020.

He was elected Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire in May 2010, and was first elected as the Conservative MP for Westbury in June 2001.

In November 2003 he was appointed to the Conservative front bench as a health spokesman, transferring in July 2007 to defence. In May 2010 Andrew became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Secretary of State for Health and was asked by the Prime Minister to review and make recommendations on health care for members of the services community. The principal recommendations in the subsequent reports, ‘Fighting Fit’ and ‘A Better Deal for Military Amputees’, are being rolled out by the government.

In November 2011 Prime Minister David Cameron appointed him as his special representative for the centenary commemoration of the First World War, a post he was re-appointed to by Theresa May.

Andrew previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for International Security Strategy from September 2012 until July 2014. He then served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office from July 2014 to March 2015. He chaired the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee from July 2017 to May 2019.

Career outside politics

Andrew served for 18 years as a medical officer in the Royal Navy, leaving in October 2000 as a Surgeon Commander. In 2003 he was recalled to serve in Iraq.

In 2021 was mobilised to lead vaccination teams as part of Operation Rescript. He remains an active reservist.

Personal life

Andrew and his wife live near Warminster. They have 5 daughters, 2 of whom serve in the Armed Forces.

Useful links:

OP Courage: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans  Call them on 0800 138 1619, text them on 07537 404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.

Medical assistance for veterans in:
England: NHS 111 service or call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency, or contact NHS
Scotland: Scotland’s Health on the Web or call 111
Wales: NHS Direct Wales or call 0845 46 47
Northern Ireland: nidirect government services - telephone contact details are available from the website
Samaritans Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan.