Nick Thomas-Symonds comments on the news that plans to make Lord Frost National Security Adviser have been scrapped

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on the news that plans to make Lord Frost National Security Adviser have been scrapped, said:

“Government chaos and confusion has led to a significant delay in appointing a permanent National Security Adviser.

“Getting such a crucial appointment wrong, in the face of warnings, shows a worrying error of judgment by the Prime Minister on the crucial issue of our country’s safety.

“National security is Labour's number one priority and we will continue to put pressure on the Government to get its approach to this vital issue right."

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Labour tabled an Urgent Question on 30 June 2020 raising concerns about the appointment: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-06-30/debates/05AAD07F-58B9-4839-95CA-082C2A75AC40/CivilServiceAppointments#contribution-E2EAA3B5-76D4-4584-925A-AE0CC032B714

1. During the debate Nick Thomas-Symonds warned: “That is why making a political appointment takes this Government into such dangerous territory. “Independent, impartial, specialist advice on national security is crucial. Prime Ministers come and go, but security threats remain and evolve.”

1. While Theresa May said: “On Saturday, my Right Honourable Friend (Michael Gove) said: “We must be able to promote those with proven expertise”. “Why, then, is the new National Security Adviser a political appointee, with no proven expertise in national security?”