Ben Wallace Keynote Speaker

Ben Wallace, a British politician and expert in national security, has held roles as the UK Secretary of State for Defence as well as Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime.

As the UK’s Defence Secretary between 2019 and 2023, Sir Ben Wallace was one of NATO’s longest serving Defence Ministers, steering the UK’s national security through turbulent times. Under his stewardship the UK responded to the evacuation of Kabul and Sudan. Internationally, Sir Ben is widely regarded as being one of the main leaders of the West’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. He was the first to call for and deliver lethal aid to Ukraine before the war. At home he completed two Strategic Defence Reviews and delivered the UK’s first AI strategy for the MOD. He was also successful in securing £31bn of extra funding for defence.

Before entering the Ministry of Defence, Sir Ben served as the UK Security Minister, a portfolio covering counter terrorism, counter espionage, organised and cybercrime. He served in Government under five Prime Ministers and worked with both the Trump and Biden administrations.

Sir Ben started his career as a soldier at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served on two operational tours and was mentioned in despatches for gallantry. He was knighted in 2024 for political and public service.