From a security perspective, I am relieved there won't be an online vote at this very short notice.
We must realise that political parties are tiny organisations, akin to charities. They are not gov'ts. They're not geared up... 1/4
...to hold votes on which so much depends, esp online, esp at a week's notice.
Whilst @NCSC would have moved heaven & earth to spot any interference with e-voting & counting, @tortoise showed how easy it was to register falsely as a member.
Now there's a bit of calm (!)...2/4
Jul 3, 2022 • 12 tweets • 4 min read
A few days ago, in this speech,👇@armyCGS Sir Patrick Sanders said "you can't cyber your way up a river".
Obvious, yes. Flippant. Perhaps.
But in the context of recent strategic decisions on UK national security, it's enormously significant 🧵1/
gov.uk/government/spe…
First, it's one of those times when who's saying it is as important as what's said. Sir Patrick prefaces his remarks: "I bow to no one in my advocacy for the need for game changing digital transformation".
Anyone who's familiar with his work knows that's true. He gets tech 2/12
May 16, 2022 • 8 tweets • 3 min read
The PM’s article on Northern Ireland in @BelTel could be significant, depending on what the Gov’t does subsequently, which could render it irrelevant. But it’s a serious piece of work that deserves attention, so in the meantime, some thoughts 1/8
belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/commen…
First, credit to his team for getting a reasonably coherent & long statement out in public. Long overdue, necessary & welcome. There really has been little to go on hitherto 2/8
Feb 22, 2022 • 26 tweets • 8 min read
There's a lot of incidental speculation about the cyber dimension of the Russia/Ukraine crisis. Much of it implies a degree of certainty about how it will play out.
Here's why I think it's impossible to have much certainty when it comes to Russia & the West 1/🧵
We can start with some safe assumptions. Ukraine, sadly, has been Russia's cyber playground for years (see 👇from @laurenscerulus in 2019). We can expect an intensification of Russian cyber aggression against Ukraine 2/
“A new social contract for the digital age…that meaningfully alters the relationship between public & private sectors & [with] new obligations for each”
One of the best articulations of Western cyber security strategy ever written by someone in high office
An intervention of this quality & power would be welcome at any time but is particularly timely now amidst the rising geopolitical tensions.
What’s admirable is the willingness of such a senior serving official to go beyond the orthodox platitudes we’ve become used to… 2/10
Nov 23, 2021 • 15 tweets • 5 min read
So here, with trepidation, I've ventured into the end-to-end encryption debate with a lecture earlier this month, published by @BlavatnikSchool👇 & a summary article for @prospect_uk 1/15
(A) the usual anti e2e rhetoric about its impact on child abuse investigations.
(B) a somewhat surprising statement of principle
(C) one specific new policy announcement. 2/15
Jul 15, 2021 • 8 tweets • 2 min read
There's a fascinating bit in the PM's levelling up speech which isn't about him or his administration specifically.
Instead, its another illustration of the extraordinary centralised nature and attitude of the British state 1/7 gov.uk/government/spe…
Specifically it's about local Government.
The key bit in the speech is this message to local leaders about how they acquire greater powers:
"Come to us with a plan for strong accountable leadership and we will give you the tools to change your area for the better"
2/7
May 2, 2021 • 20 tweets • 8 min read
Here's an interview I did with @BenQuinn75 for @guardian on the UK Govt's approach to Northern Ireland, where I was born and grew up.
And here is a (long, sorry) thread on the UK & NI specific constitutional trends & tensions behind my thinking 1/20
theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/m…
As one of the best writers on complex UK matters, @alexmassie wrote (below), it is the misfortune of the United Kingdom to be governed by people who do not understand the United Kingdom.
It is as true with regard to NI as it is of Scotland 2/20
Of course a referendum risks the Union itself. But denying one that people have voted for would change the Union fundamentally, ending the long era of voluntary partnership.
Among the many problems with this plan is that the proposed reforms are so far-reaching, they’d surely require a referendum 1/ 7
google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theg…
So would this be a single UK wide referendum or a separate vote in the 4 different parts? If each part of the UK has its own vote, why would Scotland, having been denied an independence referendum it might well by then have voted for in May, vote for this package instead? 2/7
Jan 10, 2021 • 20 tweets • 5 min read
Now that the Government’s “war on Whitehall” seems to be over 👇, a thread on this curious episode.
TL;DR Absolutely nothing has changed in the civil service, apart from the identities of a few very senior office holders (1/20)
Firstly, the ‘war’ does genuinely seem to be over. Congrats to Tom Scholar on his reappointment, kudos to the PM & Chancellor for a wise decision, and to Simon Case for whatever he’s done to bring these pointless hostilities to an end at such an important time (2/20)
Dec 31, 2020 • 4 tweets • 2 min read
As ever, @LordRickettsP is onto something important (last point👇).
The lack of grace and genuine conciliation from the victors is astounding and most unwise.
The only thing they’ve shown they care about uniting - successfully - is the Conservative Party.
- the message to millions who valued closer ties with continental Europe is: suck it up
- the message to Scotland is: we’re in charge. We’re bigger than you. We can impose our will on you. Know your place
2/4...
Nov 15, 2020 • 5 tweets • 2 min read
It’s very strange that this speech about ethics in Government from the head of the committee on standards of public life hasn’t received a lot more attention.
Lord Evans, a superb former head of MI5, is someone who chooses his words carefully.
“Quite simply, the perception is taking root that too many in public life, including some in our political leadership, are choosing to disregard the norms of ethics and propriety that have explicitly governed public life for the last 25 years...” 2/
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