EXCL: Boris Johnson’s integrated review is at risk of “unravelling” before it’s formally begun, sources tell The Times.
A thread on the upcoming foreign policy, defence & security review👇
thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-…
A thread on the upcoming foreign policy, defence & security review👇
thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-…
Rows have erupted over who sits on key panels in integrated review, plus timetable (current plan is for August conclusion).
“There are a series of rows & some nasty internal politics that have raged over the forthcoming integrated review… There is more to come,” warned source
“There are a series of rows & some nasty internal politics that have raged over the forthcoming integrated review… There is more to come,” warned source
Dom Cummings believed to be behind last week shock sacking of Chris Brannigan, defence lead in No 10 policy unit...
& hiring of two new aides to lead on defence in the review: Andrew Sabisky (who’s since quit) & Vernon Gibson, ex-chief scientific adviser at MoD & ex-BP chemist
& hiring of two new aides to lead on defence in the review: Andrew Sabisky (who’s since quit) & Vernon Gibson, ex-chief scientific adviser at MoD & ex-BP chemist
Sabisky & Vernon attended, on first day in No 10, the MoD “stock take” meeting, where officials updated PM on goals agreed last July
The two aides have been privy to both sensitive & classified info, it’s understood
Q is: were they security vetted? No 10 declined to comment
The two aides have been privy to both sensitive & classified info, it’s understood
Q is: were they security vetted? No 10 declined to comment
There are disagreements about who’s involved in review.
Some sources complain Sir Mark Sedwill has swept up the best people from academia/foreign policy for his own “panel of the great and the good”.
Others warn of “has-beens” with outmoded 20th century views taking part.
Some sources complain Sir Mark Sedwill has swept up the best people from academia/foreign policy for his own “panel of the great and the good”.
Others warn of “has-beens” with outmoded 20th century views taking part.
How will review work?
National Security Secretariat has put together cross-Whitehall team (MoD, FCO, DfID, HO etc). No 10 task force led by John Bew will oversee.
Challenge set is for UK to move away from being an “ambient” power, to taking a more active role in the world
National Security Secretariat has put together cross-Whitehall team (MoD, FCO, DfID, HO etc). No 10 task force led by John Bew will oversee.
Challenge set is for UK to move away from being an “ambient” power, to taking a more active role in the world
Foreign allies will feed into review.
But no invite yet to industry, which complains of being “cut out”
Industry source: “While gvt talk of Industrial Strategy, we see defence review being based around cuts & buying US off-the-shelf, which destroys IP, exports & innovation”
But no invite yet to industry, which complains of being “cut out”
Industry source: “While gvt talk of Industrial Strategy, we see defence review being based around cuts & buying US off-the-shelf, which destroys IP, exports & innovation”
Timetable of review also contentious. Plan is to conclude by August, in time for CSR.
Defence chiefs argue a truly strategic review (not just budgetary exercise) will take far longer.
There’s a “great mismatch” in expectations around depth/direction of review, say insiders
Defence chiefs argue a truly strategic review (not just budgetary exercise) will take far longer.
There’s a “great mismatch” in expectations around depth/direction of review, say insiders
A Whitehall source warns that “there will be limitations on the review if it doesn’t remain foreign policy-focussed” and added that it was “in danger” of becoming a budgetary exercise in which cuts are levied.
Lord West, ex-Navy chief, warns: “There’s a nasty atmosphere at the moment from No 10. The spads advising seem terrified. It’s worrying to hear a senior defence aide has been sacked”
Sir Mike Graydon, ex-RAF chief, warns “To do the job properly, you’ve got to consult, consider“
Sir Mike Graydon, ex-RAF chief, warns “To do the job properly, you’ve got to consult, consider“
Official Downing Street take?
No 10 spox: “As the PM has said, he has set in train the biggest review of our foreign, defence & security policy since the Cold War, designed to seize the opportunities that lie ahead & make sure we play our part in addressing the world’s problems”
No 10 spox: “As the PM has said, he has set in train the biggest review of our foreign, defence & security policy since the Cold War, designed to seize the opportunities that lie ahead & make sure we play our part in addressing the world’s problems”
