Keir Starmer has sparked fury after handing a top Government job to Tony Blair’s former Chief of Staff, who negotiated the recent surrender of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
It was announced this morning that Jonathan Powell, who spent 10 years as Tony Blair’s righthand man in No. 10, has been appointed as the Government’s new National Security Advisor.
He will replace Sir Tim Barrow in the crucial role, and will coordinate the country’s security, intelligence and defence policy in Downing Street.
The move has sparked fury, however, given Mr Powell’s central role in the recent negotiations that saw the Chagos Islands handed over to Mauritius.
He was appointed the Government’s special envoy for negotiating the future of the British overseas territory in September, and spoke openly at the time about how the UK should not be “too worried about losing that bit of territory”.
Despite fears that handing the islands to Mauritius could backfire given the country’s close ties to China, he dismissed concerns as the Chagos Islands are “very tiny… where no one actually goes”.
He flippantly added: “We’re probably losing more to tidal erosion in the East Coast than that.”
Already the move has sparked backlash, with Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty saying: “For Keir Starmer to reward Jonathan Powell, the man largely responsible for the Chagos Islands debacle after bringing him in to negotiate the deal alongside David Lammy, by appointing him as the new National Security Adviser hardly instils confidence in Labour’s foreign policy.”
Political commentator Rupert Myers added: “What a reward for giving away the Chagos Islands! What next? Dawn Butler to be made a race relations czar?”
The replacement for Sir Tim Barrow had initially been offered to General Gwyn Jenkins by Rishi Sunak, however Sir Keir quietly reversed this appointment shortly after winning the general election.
Commenting on the news, the Prime Minister said he was “delighted to appoint him to this important role”.
“Together with his experience helping to negotiate the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and work on some of the world’s most complex conflicts, he is uniquely qualified to advise the Government on tackling the challenges ahead and engage with counterparts across the globe to protect and advance UK interests.”
“I would also like to thank Sir Tim Barrow for his service and the support and advice he has given me. He has helped steer the national security community through some of the most challenging times in recent history, demonstrating throughout his outstanding commitment to public service and to the safety and security of this country. I’ve no doubt he will continue to play a positive role on these issues in the future.”
Mr Powell said he was “honoured” to receive the top job, and agreed with the PM that security “is at the heart of this country’s response to the many challenges we face”.
Last night it was reported that Sir Keir’s plan to hand over the Chagos Islands has been thrown into doubt following the election of Donald Trump, with Nigel Farage lobbying members of the President-elect’s team to step in a scupper the plan.
Joe Biden had backed Sir Keir’s plan, however opposition by Donald Trump could prove difficult as the treaty is yet to be signed.
