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UK: Government Rejects National Security Advisor Committee Appearance

  • #Governance
  • #Military
  • #Politics
  • #United Kingdom
UK: Government Rejects National Security Advisor Committee Appearance
story
MAR 11
Above: Jonathan Powell makes a speech during the "Recent Developments in the Middle East and the Imminent Danger" panel within TRT World Forum in Istanbul, Turkey on Oct. 18, 2017. Image copyright: Emrah Yorulmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images via Getty Images
story last updated MAR 11

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The government must maintain longstanding conventions regarding special advisers and protect private cabinet discussions. Powell's role as a special adviser means he should not give public evidence to committees, though he remains willing to meet privately. The established practice of ministerial accountability through official channels must be preserved.

Committees

Establishment-critical narrative

Parliamentary oversight of national security is being stifled by unprecedented restrictions. The government's position contradicts its own rules and previous practices, setting a dangerous precedent for avoiding public scrutiny on crucial security matters. The committee's ability to assess national security progress is being deliberately hampered.

CommitteesSpectator (UK)

Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures

Keir Starmer


The Controversies


Status:Open
How Much Will the UK Increase Defense Spending By?
Controversy
+7
MAR 11MAR 11

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