In a series of eye-catching appointments yesterday, one stood out above the rest: Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary. Andy Burnham, starting his new role as Prime Minister, offered the position to Streeting after he decided not to challenge Burnham for the leadership.
Controversial Choice
Streeting was an okay Health Secretary. He took on striking junior doctors, refusing to cower to their ever-increasing demands, and was overseeing a reduction in hospital waiting lists. But does that qualify him to lead the Ministry of Defence at the most dangerous point for generations? Absolutely not.
Some online have scraped the barrel in a desperate attempt to bolster Streeting’s wafer-thin defence credentials, pointing to him speaking in a debate on defence readiness. They highlight the fact he was Health Secretary at the same time a programme was launched to identify veterans and improve the quality of their care. But that is it, that is all he has to underpin his ability to lead defence: a bland contribution in the Commons and an NHS programme he had nothing to do with.
Political Deal-Making
Supporters will argue that Streeting is young, ambitious and not afraid to challenge the status quo. Others will argue that the main requirement for a cabinet role is an ability to understand the levers of government and set the stage for Civil Service experts to enact their wishes. But it seems that Streeting’s appointment has less to do with any of the above and more to do with a shady deal to ensure he posed no threat to Andy Burnham’s coronation.
Defence is not a pawn in a game of politics. It is an issue that impacts us all at a time when the threats to our nation are greater than they have been for decades. Former paratrooper and incumbent Dan Jarvis was overlooked. Former special forces Colonel Al Carns was seemingly never considered. Instead the post of Defence Secretary was used as a battering tool to ensure that big personalities in the Labour Party pose no threat to Burnham’s ascension to Number 10. Our country deserves and needs much more.
