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Snapshot 2:Fri, Nov 8, 2024 5:36:45 PM GMT last edited by Haakan

UK: Jonathan Powell Appointed National Security Adviser

UK: Jonathan Powell Appointed National Security Adviser

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 Images***PLEASE REPLACE WATERMARKED IMAGE***

The Facts

  • UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Jonathan Powell – Downing Street chief of staff between 1997-2008 under Tony Blair – as his new national security advisor.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.

  • In a statement released by the Cabinet Office, Starmer stated that Powell had "devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country," while Powell himself commented that he was "honoured" to assume the role.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.


The Spin

Powell is an incredibly experienced political operative that will only benefit Starmer's premiership. APowell, veterana of the Blair era veteran, Powell will not only beprovide astability steady hand on anthe international front but will also addbring wisdom to a Labour Governmentgovernment that has beenfaced criticisedcriticism for its clumsy domestic policy strategy.

Starmer has appointed a man who willingly negotiated the surrender of the Chagos Islandsa piece of land integral to British strategic interestsas 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 in the future.


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