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<\/p>\nPRITI Patel is scrapping the job of Security Minister and taking on the powers for herself, it has emerged today.<\/p>\n
The Home Secretary will absorb the high-profile role, which she has been covering for more than a month, into her current duties.<\/p>\n
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Her decision comes amid recent global turmoil including renewed threats from Russia and the impeding collapse of Afghanistan.<\/p>\n
Former holder James Brokenshire stepped down last month to focus on his recovery from cancer.<\/p>\n
It had been anticipated that Boris Johnson would announce a permanent replacement for him in the Autumn.<\/p>\n
But now Mrs Patel has persuaded the PM that she should take on the mantle instead of hiring an extra pair of hands.<\/p>\n
Her move, reported by The Times, will raise eyebrows because Security Minister has traditionally been a senior role within the Home Office.<\/p>\n
The vacancy was brought into sharp focus this week by the arrest of a guard at the UK embassy in Berlin on suspicion of spying for Russia.<\/p>\n
Labour said it "beggars belief" the PM hasn't appointed someone and questioned whether he had "forgotten or doesn't think it's important".<\/p>\n
Shadow security minister Conor McGinn said: "Britain's national security is under threat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n
"This is just the latest security lapse from a prime minister and government that can't be trusted with national security."<\/p>\n
A party source also questioned whether Mrs Patel was up to the job given her track record in other areas.<\/p>\n
They said: "Let's hope she has more success with security than she's had with sorting out the Channel crossings, deporting foreign criminals, reducing serious crime and maintaining the confidence of the police."<\/p>\n
She is said to have taken on the new powers because she personally enjoys the security-related aspects of her job.<\/p>\n
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "The Home Secretary is responsible for all areas of Home Office business, including those related to national security."<\/p>\n
The announcement comes against the background of a fast deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and warnings about its security implications.<\/p>\n
Defence secretary Ben Wallace today warned "Al Qaeda will probably come back" once the Taliban seizes back control of the country.<\/p>\n
Asked about the security implications for the UK, he said: "I'm absolutely worried.<\/p>\n
"Failed states around the world lead to instability, lead to a security threat to us and our interests."<\/p>\n