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Priti Patel taken on Security Minister's responsibilities - Conor McGinn responds

Friday, 13 August 2021 11:46

Conor McGinn MP, Labour’s Shadow Security Minister, responding to reports that Priti Patel has taken on the Security Minister’s responsibilities permanently, said: “This is a clear sign that the Conservatives don’t take the safety of our citizens seriously enough. Rather than Number 10 and the Home Secretary briefing against each other, Britain’s security should be the Government’s number one concern. “Getting rid of a specific, day-to-day, senior government...Request free trial

Conor McGinn MP, Labour’s Shadow Security Minister, responding to reports that Priti Patel has taken on the Security Minister’s responsibilities permanently, said:

“This is a clear sign that the Conservatives don’t take the safety of our citizens seriously enough. Rather than Number 10 and the Home Secretary briefing against each other, Britain’s security should be the Government’s number one concern.

“Getting rid of a specific, day-to-day, senior government minister responsible for security and counter-terrorism when Britain’s national security is under threat 24 hours a day, seven days a week is an abdication of responsibility.

“From the chaos in the channel to the Police Federation declaring no confidence in her. The Home Secretary is clearly struggling to deliver on her current responsibilities, it is unwise that she takes on an additional role.”

Ends

In 2007 Gordon Brown created the role of Minister for Security, with the appointment of Admiral Sir Alan West.

“Admiral Sir Alan West was made a junior Minister for Security at the Home Office and immediately went into action, responding to the discovery of a car bomb in London.”

30 June 2007, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/they-were-top-people-doing-a-fine-job-but-theyre-in-politics-now-7hspwfkvbqq

Baroness Neville-Jones, who served as Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) from 1993 to 1994, was Minister for Security and Counter-terrorism, with responsibility for cyber security, from 13 May 2010 to 9 May 2011.

9 May 2011, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/193135/step-down-minister-security-counter-terrorism.pdf

On 7 July 2021, James Brokenshire sent a letter to the PM announcing his resignation.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1000050/Letter_to_the_Prime_Minister_7_July_2021.pdf

Security Ministers are responsible for counter terrorism, serious and organised crime and cybercrime amongst other things.

https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/minister-of-state--88

There are reports today that Priti Patel will be taking on the responsibility of the security minister’s brief

“Priti Patel will take on the responsibilities of the vacant security minister’s brief permanently, The Times has learnt.”

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/priti-patel-expands-workload-to-include-security-ministers-duties-06fcpp2qq