The Guardian reports that the defence secretary had to overrule his top civil servant in order to place an £800 million order for Hawk trainer jets with BAE.

Geoff Hoon said the contract would support RAF capabilities and help the UK defence sector. But Sir Kevin Tebbit, MoD permanent secretary, would only withhold his backing if he thought the move infringed "propriety" or "the economy, efficiency and effectiveness" of his department.