UK: Jonathan Powell Appointed National Security Adviser

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2885 hours ago: UK: Jonathan Powell Appointed National Security Adviser

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NOV 8 2024

Above: Jonathan Powell, former Downing Street Chief of Staff and chief British negotiator on Northern Ireland reads a statement on May 4, 2018 in Cambo-les-Bains, France. Image copyright: David Ramos/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated NOV 11 2024

The Facts

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Jonathan Powell, Downing Street chief of staff between 1997 and 2007 under Tony Blair, as his new national security advisor. [1]
Starmer said in a Cabinet Office statement that Powell had "devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country," and Powell himself said he was "honored" to take on the role. [2]
Powell, 68, helped negotiate the 1998 Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland and recently acted as special envoy for negotiations, overseeing the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. [3][4]

Sources

[1] bbc.co.uk [2] GOV.UK [3] Reuters [4] The Times [5] Civil Service World [6] Express.co.uk [7] Guardian

The Spin

Left narrative

Powell, a Blair era veteran, is an incredibly experienced political operative that will only benefit Starmer's premiership. He will not only provide stability on the international front but also bring wisdom to a Labour government that has faced criticism for its clumsy domestic policy strategy.

Inews.Co.Uk

Right narrative

Starmer has appointed a man who willingly negotiated the surrender of the Chagos Islands—a piece of land integral to British strategic interests — as the country's national security advisor. The decision once again leaves the UK public lacking any confidence in Labour's foreign policy and is likely to only further damage the UK's international position.

Spectator (UK)