Noooooo, Ben Wallace announces he will stand down as an MP at the next election.
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I'm not sure I get all the fan boying about him frankly.....his work to get munitions to Ukr has definitely been a positive, but what has he done for UK Mil.....binning T1 Typh, binned C130, more Army cuts coming, more salami slicing, reduction in amount of protector and AEW, cancellation of warrior upgrade, etc, etc....
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You non-fanboys need to remember that he is playing the hand he was dealt. Nothing under the table from the treasury. He had to slice and dice something and in my opinion he chose targets of least impact.
Yes, I like him, and he is respected by most, especially in Europe, as well as in UK. I do not know if Biden has barred him from the NATO role, to keep him in UK but if he has, he's lost big time now.
Yes, I like him, and he is respected by most, especially in Europe, as well as in UK. I do not know if Biden has barred him from the NATO role, to keep him in UK but if he has, he's lost big time now.
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BW will resign from the Government at the next cabinet reshuffle but will stay on as a Conservative MP until the next election. He will not be seeking re-election, not because he fears the Conservatives losing the next election but because impending boundary changes will remove his current parliamentary constituency.
I think as Defence Minister, and an MP it will be a loss to the Conservatives and the country to lose a person of his calibre in Government and particularly as Defence Secretary.
I think he would be ideally suited as head of NATO. If we must lose him as a Cabinet Minster or even an MP it would be comforting to know NATO was in the hands of someone with his character, knowledge, and experience, both military and parliamentary. I would have expected him to have had the full support of the rest of NATO but it appears it was not meant to be and has been blocked by the Americans and some other members of NATO in favour of Jens Stoltenberg staying on for another year, notwithstanding he’s been in the job for 9 years. With France believing the NATO secretary general should come from within the EU it is looking even more likely that JS will continue for now in favour of the first female NATO chief coming from either Denmark or Germany. For me I don’t care what sex the NATO SG is, and don’t feel the alliance should be pressured one way or another into giving someone the job for that reason. Or indeed which country of the alliance they come from providing they have the ability, experience and knowledge to do the job well.
Kms901 and Katamarino – you are so wrong.
Asturias56 – I respectfully disagree, I think defence is, or should be very high on everyone’s priority right now in these uncertain times.
Frankly having someone in their mid 50’s with 7 yrs experience of the military and 24 yrs experience in politics, 4 of which have been as Secretary of Defence under a few PM’s, is a good balance for me for the position of boss of NATO. Most other candidates don’t even have that. Some people are content with 80 yr olds of having their fingers on nuclear buttons which is far more worrying for me.
I think as Defence Minister, and an MP it will be a loss to the Conservatives and the country to lose a person of his calibre in Government and particularly as Defence Secretary.
I think he would be ideally suited as head of NATO. If we must lose him as a Cabinet Minster or even an MP it would be comforting to know NATO was in the hands of someone with his character, knowledge, and experience, both military and parliamentary. I would have expected him to have had the full support of the rest of NATO but it appears it was not meant to be and has been blocked by the Americans and some other members of NATO in favour of Jens Stoltenberg staying on for another year, notwithstanding he’s been in the job for 9 years. With France believing the NATO secretary general should come from within the EU it is looking even more likely that JS will continue for now in favour of the first female NATO chief coming from either Denmark or Germany. For me I don’t care what sex the NATO SG is, and don’t feel the alliance should be pressured one way or another into giving someone the job for that reason. Or indeed which country of the alliance they come from providing they have the ability, experience and knowledge to do the job well.
Kms901 and Katamarino – you are so wrong.
Asturias56 – I respectfully disagree, I think defence is, or should be very high on everyone’s priority right now in these uncertain times.
Frankly having someone in their mid 50’s with 7 yrs experience of the military and 24 yrs experience in politics, 4 of which have been as Secretary of Defence under a few PM’s, is a good balance for me for the position of boss of NATO. Most other candidates don’t even have that. Some people are content with 80 yr olds of having their fingers on nuclear buttons which is far more worrying for me.
"Asturias56 – I respectfully disagree, I think defence is, or should be very high on everyone’s priority right now in these uncertain times."
i'm not disagreeeing - I'm just pointing out the facts. Every poll of "what is important" doesn't rate defence at all with the UK voter
i'm not disagreeeing - I'm just pointing out the facts. Every poll of "what is important" doesn't rate defence at all with the UK voter
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Any way Defence is so low on voters list of priorities they couldn't care less who is running it
So all the outrage generated by Corbyn's stance on nukes was 'manufactured' ... was it ?
As to Wallace, like so many middle ranking military, he got on doing his job (badly, as far as procurement was concerned !) and avoided raising his head above the political parapet, even when such action was demonstrably necessary. His recent remarks and behaviour could be ascribed to a bit of a hissy fit over being denied his assumed 'shoo-in' for the SG job. Of the 3 notable such background holders, Elwood demonstrates a modicum of thoughtful application, while Mercer is (as demonstrated in a recent Question Time) an over-bearing would be bully. Military service of 'quality', as demonstrated by such as Carrington, Healey and Macmillan is a decided rarity nowadays.
So all the outrage generated by Corbyn's stance on nukes was 'manufactured' ... was it ?
As to Wallace, like so many middle ranking military, he got on doing his job (badly, as far as procurement was concerned !) and avoided raising his head above the political parapet, even when such action was demonstrably necessary. His recent remarks and behaviour could be ascribed to a bit of a hissy fit over being denied his assumed 'shoo-in' for the SG job. Of the 3 notable such background holders, Elwood demonstrates a modicum of thoughtful application, while Mercer is (as demonstrated in a recent Question Time) an over-bearing would be bully. Military service of 'quality', as demonstrated by such as Carrington, Healey and Macmillan is a decided rarity nowadays.
I think Wallace's no-nonsense, straight-talking approach, admired by many including me, probably counted against him for the NATO job. Whatever his qualities may be (and I'd agree his record is a bit of a curate's egg, although he certainly has some good points), he's not exactly a diplomat - whereas any top multi-national organisation requires as leader someone who can carry off the sort of mannered, courtly gavotte that somehow combines being persuasive with carrying everyone along without too many ruffled feathers. A talent for calling a spade a spade doesn't always go down well in multinational circles, refreshing as it may be to many of us. I've also seen suggestions that the US may have regarded Wallace as a bit too pushy in relation to the Ukraine agenda. The US is used to calling the shots and setting the pace, and Wallace's high-intensity approach may have hustled them a long a bit more than they appreciated.
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Agree with comments above, and have great respect for Wallace who has done a great job in impossible conditions, but Macron would never agree to UK leadership of NATO, he wants it for himself with a view to it becoming a European army at the expense of others, viz. his posing in a 4x4 mil vehicle the other day. Biden absolutely no chance, his hatred of UK dates from childhood indoctrination of Ireland as it was a century ago. He forgets many things but not this one. Like many Americans, in his doting mind it's still a green romantic land full of shillelaghs and leprechauns oppressed by the base British.
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I think the French are a bit worried that Mr Trump, should he return to the White House, might pull the US out of NATO.................. he threatened that the last time
"So all the outrage generated by Corbyn's stance on nukes was 'manufactured' ... was it ?"
that was worked up as giving our seat away at the top table by the usual suspects
The YOUGOV tracker and data for 10th July shows Defence comes 10th on people's concerns - bewteen Tax and Welfare benefits
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/educatio...ntry?period=3m
64% The economy
46% Health
34% Immigration & Asylum
26% The environment
20% Housing
19% Britain leaving the EU
17% Crime
13% Education
10% Tax
9% Defence and security
7% Welfare benefits
5% Pensions
5% Family life & childcare
3% Transport
3% Don't know
0% None of these
0% Afghanistan
0% Defence and Terrorism
that was worked up as giving our seat away at the top table by the usual suspects
Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: 28 June to 9 July 2023
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/28juneto9july2023The following information is for the latest survey period 28 June to 9 July 2023, based on adults in Great Britain.- When asked about the important issues facing the UK today, people's most common issues continued to be the cost of living (92%), the NHS (88%), the economy (79%), climate change and the environment (62%) and housing (62%).
- Around 6 in 10 (60%) adults reported that their cost of living had increased, compared with a month ago; this proportion appears to have gradually decreased since early April 2023, when it was at 76%.
- Around 3 in 10 (30%) respondents reported using their savings because of the rise in cost of living; this is an increase from a quarter (25%) of adults reporting this in late April 2023.
The YOUGOV tracker and data for 10th July shows Defence comes 10th on people's concerns - bewteen Tax and Welfare benefits
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/educatio...ntry?period=3m
64% The economy
46% Health
34% Immigration & Asylum
26% The environment
20% Housing
19% Britain leaving the EU
17% Crime
13% Education
10% Tax
9% Defence and security
7% Welfare benefits
5% Pensions
5% Family life & childcare
3% Transport
3% Don't know
0% None of these
0% Afghanistan
0% Defence and Terrorism
"So all the outrage generated by Corbyn's stance on nukes was 'manufactured' ... was it ?"
that was worked up as giving our seat away at the top table by the usual suspects
The YOUGOV tracker and data for 10th July shows Defence comes 10th on people's concerns - bewteen Tax and Welfare benefits
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/educatio...ntry?period=3m
64% The economy
46% Health
34% Immigration & Asylum
26% The environment
20% Housing
19% Britain leaving the EU
17% Crime
13% Education
10% Tax
9% Defence and security
7% Welfare benefits
5% Pensions
5% Family life & childcare
3% Transport
3% Don't know
0% None of these
0% Afghanistan
0% Defence and Terrorism
that was worked up as giving our seat away at the top table by the usual suspects
Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: 28 June to 9 July 2023
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/28juneto9july2023The following information is for the latest survey period 28 June to 9 July 2023, based on adults in Great Britain.- When asked about the important issues facing the UK today, people's most common issues continued to be the cost of living (92%), the NHS (88%), the economy (79%), climate change and the environment (62%) and housing (62%).
- Around 6 in 10 (60%) adults reported that their cost of living had increased, compared with a month ago; this proportion appears to have gradually decreased since early April 2023, when it was at 76%.
- Around 3 in 10 (30%) respondents reported using their savings because of the rise in cost of living; this is an increase from a quarter (25%) of adults reporting this in late April 2023.
The YOUGOV tracker and data for 10th July shows Defence comes 10th on people's concerns - bewteen Tax and Welfare benefits
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/educatio...ntry?period=3m
64% The economy
46% Health
34% Immigration & Asylum
26% The environment
20% Housing
19% Britain leaving the EU
17% Crime
13% Education
10% Tax
9% Defence and security
7% Welfare benefits
5% Pensions
5% Family life & childcare
3% Transport
3% Don't know
0% None of these
0% Afghanistan
0% Defence and Terrorism
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Agree with comments above, and have great respect for Wallace who has done a great job in impossible conditions, but Macron would never agree to UK leadership of NATO, he wants it for himself with a view to it becoming a European army at the expense of others, viz. his posing in a 4x4 mil vehicle the other day. Biden absolutely no chance, his hatred of UK dates from childhood indoctrination of Ireland as it was a century ago. He forgets many things but not this one. Like many Americans, in his doting mind it's still a green romantic land full of shillelaghs and leprechauns oppressed by the base British.
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Perhaps there too many ranking politicians who are seeking high office, when the real requirement is for a applicant to have a high level of defense cooperation experience, good knowledge of procurement and logistics with a lower level of experience of polical posturing and diplomacy.
IG
IG
I am sure he will be fine -- Lord Wallace in NY hons list
I am sure Mr Wallace will be fine -- Lord Wallace in NY honours list coming down the pipe.
Or maybe from Mr. Sunak on his departure from number 10!
I am sure Mr Wallace will already have something lined up (UN, think tank, Defence contractor or a bank) and will then become another commentator on what a terrible state the UK defence policy is in or UK will be at war by 2030.
Or maybe from Mr. Sunak on his departure from number 10!
I am sure Mr Wallace will already have something lined up (UN, think tank, Defence contractor or a bank) and will then become another commentator on what a terrible state the UK defence policy is in or UK will be at war by 2030.
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"Showing how many on here really are not in touch with the real world."
I tend to agree - but they all have votes
I tend to agree - but they all have votes
Thought police antagonist
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This article, from a real world perspective, would suggest his "vision " of a three front war isn't reality based ..but will appeal to those who can't wait for another confrontation...anywhere across the globe will do....and the opportunity for more unadulterated wallows in nostalgia.
What is the MoD taking in its tea? There’s no way Britain will be in a three-front war by 2030 | Simon Jenkins | The Guardian
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A talent for calling a spade a spade doesn't always go down well in multinational circles, refreshing as it may be to many of us. I've also seen suggestions that the US may have regarded Wallace as a bit too pushy in relation to the Ukraine agenda. The US is used to calling the shots and setting the pace, and Wallace's high-intensity approach may have hustled them a long a bit more than they appreciated.
KnC - I am not sure I would put much faith in the defence opinions of Simon Jenkins who called for a 100% defence cut in 2010, in 2016 he condemned Corbyn's implied promise not to support NATO commitments, while questioning NATO's current purpose and being against it 'giving defensive assurances to non-Nato states along Russia’s borders'. HIs view of risk seems to be heavily biased towards probability and against consequence.
Asturias, I don't deny defence isn't voters highest priorities but our politicians aren't mandated delegates but representatives who should judge for themselves what is in the country's best interests. Given the nature of the poll you quote if 100% of those polled had defence as their fourth highest priority it would have scored 0%. I am pleasantly suprised that 9% had it in their top three. For centuries UK governments have slashed defence expenditure at the earliest opportunity and not been in position to face a serious threat. It may be that the threat of the nuclear weapons Jenkins so despises coupled with the NATO mutual defence may reduce threat of attack on British territory to a minscule level but credible conventional forces are needed to deter piecemeal attacks on British interests.
I am not a big fan of Wallace but he is almost certainly better than the probable alternatives Boris could have chosen. Like all Defence Secretaries his effectiveness is governed by the Treasury's final word. An army brat who probably saw service as his duty, deployed under Op Banner when death or serious injury was a real possibility and took a positive decision about his future instead of staying to the end of his commission lacking motivation. Historically, the Army and the Navy (not certain about the Airforce) required a supply of officers on short service commissions to meet their operational needs.
Asturias, I don't deny defence isn't voters highest priorities but our politicians aren't mandated delegates but representatives who should judge for themselves what is in the country's best interests. Given the nature of the poll you quote if 100% of those polled had defence as their fourth highest priority it would have scored 0%. I am pleasantly suprised that 9% had it in their top three. For centuries UK governments have slashed defence expenditure at the earliest opportunity and not been in position to face a serious threat. It may be that the threat of the nuclear weapons Jenkins so despises coupled with the NATO mutual defence may reduce threat of attack on British territory to a minscule level but credible conventional forces are needed to deter piecemeal attacks on British interests.
I am not a big fan of Wallace but he is almost certainly better than the probable alternatives Boris could have chosen. Like all Defence Secretaries his effectiveness is governed by the Treasury's final word. An army brat who probably saw service as his duty, deployed under Op Banner when death or serious injury was a real possibility and took a positive decision about his future instead of staying to the end of his commission lacking motivation. Historically, the Army and the Navy (not certain about the Airforce) required a supply of officers on short service commissions to meet their operational needs.
"but our politicians aren't mandated delegates but representatives who should judge for themselves what is in the country's best interests. "
Well that's the theory but its clear its all about winning the next election, crawling up the greasy poll and getting enough honours to ensure a decent job after politics.
I have, over the years, met a few UK politicians from a number of parties. I think the number I'd employ would be counted on one hand - with a digit or two to spare.
Well that's the theory but its clear its all about winning the next election, crawling up the greasy poll and getting enough honours to ensure a decent job after politics.
I have, over the years, met a few UK politicians from a number of parties. I think the number I'd employ would be counted on one hand - with a digit or two to spare.
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So where do we think, BAE Systems perhaps, or over the Pond.
Cheers
Mr Mac
Cheers
Mr Mac