For years Democrats have fought the perception that they are soft on defence and low on patriotism.

ECONOMIST: MoveOn.org insults the general

When challenged over whether they were impinging on the judiciary's independence, the politicians took refuge in the defence that the "perception" is widely held within their community so ought to be addressed.

BBC: Perception and reality

However, he said fears of low morale are well founded and are related to a combination of the public's perception of the conflicts the UK is involved in and defence not being seen as a priority issue.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Former troops discuss pressure claim

But the biggest factor in Dr Fox's favour is the growing perception that he was prescient to warn of the impact of defence cuts.

ECONOMIST: The defence secretary