Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that Grant Shapps will assume the role of the United Kingdom’s new Secretary of State for Defence.
The appointment follows the resignation of Ben Wallace and comes at a crucial time as the UK faces a range of security challenges, both domestically and internationally.
The role of the Secretary of State for Defence in the United Kingdom is a crucial one, tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Defence and serving as a member of the Cabinet. Created on April 1, 1964, this position combined the duties of several earlier posts, including Minister of Defence, First Lord of the Admiralty, Secretary of State for War, and Secretary of State for Air.
Who is Grant Shapps?
Grant Shapps has a storied political career that includes multiple ministerial roles since becoming the Member of Parliament (MP) for Welwyn Hatfield in 2005.
Despite several setbacks, including a demotion in 2015 over allegations of bullying, Shapps has played key roles in reshaping UK’s transport and energy policies. Most recently, as Energy Secretary, he was charged with managing energy security and net-zero policies.
His appointment comes on the heels of warnings from his predecessor. Ben Wallace had previously expressed concerns about the state of the British armed forces, stating that the military had been “hollowed out” over three decades.
Wallace also cited the Ukraine war as a situation that “exposed our vulnerabilities,” echoing worries expressed by other UK and European officials. Shapps will inherit these challenges, along with the task of modernising and bolstering the British armed forces.
What to Expect: Opportunities and Challenges
The Ministry, as described by Wallace, is “now more modern, better funded, and more confident.” Yet, Wallace has cautioned that the world is expected to become “more insecure and more unstable” in the next decade.
These dual realities create a significant backdrop for Shapps as he takes over. With a diverse portfolio that spans from transport to energy, Shapps brings multi-disciplinary experience to the Ministry of Defence.
As Grant Shapps steps into his new role, all eyes will be on how he confronts the immediate challenges outlined by his predecessor and how his leadership will influence the future trajectory of the United Kingdom’s defence strategy.
Shapps has been a disaster for transport, so it does not bode well for defence.
Noooo!!!! Anyone but Grant Shapps.
We’re dooomed!!
Shapps was a useless transport minister. He will be equally terrible in defence. Who do we vote for at the next election? Labour has no new ideas, Tories are useless and self-serving, Greens are a total bunch of lunatics…
Probably a few independents campaigning on local issues. I would not be surprised if the turnout is low & we end up with a hung Parliament.
ReformUK
Shush it’s the best kept secret in South Derby. Reform councillors actually do what they are supposed to.
👍
Reform UK would bring chaos to the UK. Farage backs PR – That would mean a permanent hung parliament.
Can anyone imagine a coalition of Labor,Greens and Lib Dems and Reform UK to keep the Tory’s out forever.
It would mean windmills and a return to the EU..
100% correct pal ..
I think PR is the only policy they have that makes sense.
I think there is no chance of rejoining the EU without a legitimate referendum. I would expect rejoin to win that.
Well if you want to be like Italy sed to be, a government a year – PR is to go for, we are IMO better of the way we are. At the moment due to lefty and remain scare politics – I dare say we would vote to rejoin. That would be the biggest mistake ever – We are outperforming most of the countries in the EU. “It has outperformed Europe’s three major economies — Germany, France and Italy, as well as Japan — since the pandemic. Who wudda thunk it?!” The new ONS figures suggested that the UK recovered… Read more »
Disaster for the UK Armed Forces
WHY????!!!! No military experience and during a war. What the hell is Rishi thinking?
With luck this tory government and unelected Rishi will be gone soon.
Unfortunately Paul, to replaced with dithering Starmer, who can’t make any decisions without permission of his politburo focus group….
I dont think that they (as long as there is not a left wing coup after the election) could do any worse right now.
This government is a shambles.
” could do any worse” sets a terribly low bar Paul😂😂
To be fair, I think my current parish council could probably do a better job of running the country than either mob (and they are crap), I’m voting Reform Party in the next election as I don’t see any other other viable options for me….
Likewise mate.
I really hope others follow your lead, wiping out the Tory’s once and for all and having a proper right of centre, pro business party is what the country needs rather than the Old Etonian boys club we have at present masquerading as people who know what they are doing.
It’s looking that way Jim. I’ll never vote Labour as things stand with them, and respect that you’re of a different view.
So I see nowhere else to go.
Morning Daniele. Rishi is absolutely hopeless in my opinion. The UK needs a leader to get an old fashioned grip!! Boris?? If I was in the UK now I would have to vote Tory as the least bad of a very bad lot!
Cheers from Durbs my friend- a windy and chilly Spring Day- 16 degrees rising to 20 at lunchtime
Morning my friend. That is pretty much what we had to do last time. Both sides are pretty nadir sadly.
If Reform just takes over from the usual extreme right mix of Neo Nazis/Leavers/etc then it will not change anything. If it manages to convince any normal right of centre voters to swing to the extreme right by pretending to be more moderate then that could destroy the UK just when people were waking up to how Putin played them with Brexit. Current opinion polls put Tories and assorted more right wing groups at approx 30%. Then you have the Lib Dems as the moderate right. The situation on the left is more confusing with Labour then Greens over much… Read more »
If you want to see something odd take a look at the City of Derby. I live in the Reform Fortress where we have 2 100% reform wards (6 councillor’s) in the council and one is now Mayor (Who I did my Apprenticeship with 40+ years ago).
I decided in the last few days that I’ll vote Reform too. The conservatives are just New Labour. High tax, centralising, big state, soft on defence, soft on democracy rudderless and culturally and morally “progressive”. Some of the worst woke idiocy has happened on their watch. Yes Labour will be worse but the end point is the same, they only differ in rate of change. And if Labour wins, so what, at least I haven’t compromised as many of my principles to keep the Conservatives in power. No one party will ever align with anyone’s views perfectly but the Tories… Read more »
You must have a better Parish Council than most then. 😂 I wouldn’t trust ours to do anything other than reduce the speed limit to 5 MPH. Personally I think that Kier would have been tempted to take legal action against Putin once Ukraine was ethnically cleansed. Not my idea of a Prime Minister. Would military support have been considered until it was too late (if ever)? History may well judge the Boris/Ben team less harshly than the hysteria which ejected him from office. I suspect we are back to the days of voting in the least bad leader. Not… Read more »
There is no left wing to have a coup, Starmer got rid of them all.
But did he? They’re still MPs aren’t they?
Not many, and the rabid ones are kept on a leash.
Was it Tim Farron – Christian beliefs/no abortion or some b/s, gone.
Tories watching porn in the Commons, gone.
Labour sex pest, gone
And thank fucking finally, Corby, gone.
All the parties have extremist elements – use the Royal Navy to “push back the boats.” Braverman.
I don’t need extremism in the Chamber, I want zeal to create a better Parliament that creates good laws for the benefit of this Country and creates an economic base for a well run, stand fast Army, military.
Well using the RN to push back the boats is extreme, but the notion that immigration is too high, and that many want it reduced, is not. Neither party are willing to do that, and many who are naturally more right centre, me, believe Labour would be far worse in that regard. Like your stance on both Tory Labour defence, both are poor. No sign of change. Unfortunately, if you’ve no extremism in the commons you’ll still have ideology and party first politics. Cannot see that changing. The whole system is dead and corrupt to me until groups of SMEs… Read more »
You are joking I presume. Are you forgetting that Starmer himself supported Corbyn as did his deputy and most of the shadow cabinet. Bolt on left wing councils. the unions and Momentum. There are thousands of left wing activists right through the Labour party.
And Rish! Supported Bluffer.
What’s your point beyond gas bagging?
Gas bagging? Bit unpleasant don’t you think? In any case I was replying to Jim.
It’s the repetitive nature, Starmer supported Corbyn gas bagging.
The military support the CGS until they don’t. Tory MPs supported Bluffer until they didn’t.
Pure hot air.
The problem is that it is me your accusing of gas bagging. If I am then we might as well all give up saying anything as we are all expressing opinions. the worrying part is that if you honestly think Starmer has the extreme left on a leash I would say read more. The Tories may be incompetent but there not fanatics.
I don’t think the left wing needs to have formal power to advance their agenda . They control the media, TV/Cinema , advertising industry, universities, , Sir Humphrey is more like Commissar Humphrey, Royal Foundations and Quangos.
Plus now that they realised that a capitalist multinational can be a force to make us all alike they are also advancing there.
The problem that the Tories ran into is that they adopted an extreme interpretation of Adam Smith – to the extent that they actually believed that you don’t need a government because ( given enlightened self interest) the market would sort out economics, and economics sort out everything else. Privatise everything and regulate unsociable and criminal behaviour ( after people have been exploited). Hence ministers require few skills in real readership and communication; no requirement to inspire confidence – mediocre communication and management skills suffice – they manage to upset just about every other player who have vital roles in… Read more »
Good post Paul. I’ve been out of the UK for nearly 40 years now but still feel that it’s still a great country and has a great people. Just the “mob” in charge…
Ben Wallace for PM anyone?
That’s a good plan but it might take two elections to come close. Meanwhile there will likely be have been a massive population type shift.
maybe then you should explain the outrageous tax levels by Tories…
Of course they would be worse, expect even more political commissars in armed forces.
Woke and green political violence will get a huge step up.
‘The trouble with Starmer is her gets up and says nothing thena week later does a U turn‘. – Mark Steele
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣
I think stramer saying nothing is a deliberate tactic, say nothing and nobody can challenge you on it. Or accuse you of u turning.
Whilst he’s saying nothing the tories are stumbling from one disaster to another, winning the election for him without him needing to play his hand.
👍
Who is on his Politburo focus group then, can you name some names?
I’m sure I could if I could be bothered to look through the limp woke rouges gallery that passes for his ‘team’ Jim….
Their finest hour however, was getting Starmer to ‘ take the knee’ on TV, a toe curling piece of film, with the shadow leader looking deeply uncomfortable … You can see he thinks it’s the wrong thing to do, but his advisers convinced him anyway….
He’s no leader.
Best summed up by Barry above….
‘The trouble with Starmer is her gets up and says nothing, then a week later does a U turn‘ 😂😂
Mmmm. Starmer thinks things through before he opens his mouth. He is playing a mental chess game. Until the current government call the general election his strategy is a guerilla war; a defensive one; he purges his party and harries the opponent. He moves pawn for pawn denying the Mail and Express the recourse to their traditional ‘politics of envy’ headlines which demonise labour as financially incompetent closet marxists. The objective is to undermine the country’s confidence in the competence of present government so that they brought to a point where the electorate are at least open to the suggestion… Read more »
Can’t define what a woman is though – no genius then.
My grandmother used to say there’s no such thing as can’t…there’s only won’t. I think his latest pronouncement on the transgender issue is that a woman is ‘an adult female’. His opinion will magically follow that of the majority of SNP voters 😉
whoever is holding the handbag, is that right?? I struggle to keep up with what ever this weeks Woke mafia dictate is Nathan….
With ovaries ? What about women who have them removed for medical reasons I dont follow this culture war stuff, but medically theres something 2% of new borns who have ‘variations’ from the normal gender Was at car body repair for some re painting 3 months back. Only a few employees , 2 women one of which was in the workshop. never would have that 10 years back. Its just easier for women to take on male characteristics and roles than the other way round. Growing up as a teenager my mother had long time friends from before married ,… Read more »
The problem is that their case comes from La La land.
If by ‘their’ you mean the SNP I agree that those who subscribe to the view that you, and you alone can decide your gender are on weak ethical, philosophical and biological ground.
I think if someone pulls up their frock and clearly displays “the last chicken in the butchers shop” (with the accompanying bag of giblets) it’s a bloke.
Is that the right answer??
My goodness John. Those views will get you ‘cancelled’. 😂
I can’t keep up with what’s on trend Paul, I hail from a simpler time……
I don’t many of us can, John. In discussion this morning I was told of a speaker opening an event who was reprimanded for her opening remarks…’ladies and gentlemen’. Really it’s time to robustly push back and voice the truth. 1. Your chromosomes are XX or XY. There are only 2 values. 2. Perception is not the same as reality. You can change the former but not the latter. 3. You are not an island, your choices affect other people.
Absolutely spot on Paul, that’s two of us for the Police van then, anyone care to join us, we’ll have a sing along and a game of I spy on our way to the Woke Nuremberg trials….
I’ll be keeping you company then!
It is incorrect to say that there only XX or XY.
Do point me in the right direction and I will read up.
https://thefocusfoundation.org/x-y-chromosomal-variations/#:~:text=The%20X%20%26%20Y%20Variations%20include,XXYY%2C%20and%2049%2C%20XXXXY.
Thx
Also
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/populations/health-of-people-with-intersex-variations
Oh, I’ll bite…..
There is only XX and XY, that is an indispensable biological fact in human beings.
A person can decide to live as the opposite sex, they can take hormones and undergo surgery if they really want push it the whole way.
They are still the sex they were born as, pretending the reality of XX / XY chromosomes isn’t actually fixed biological fact, is simply delusional.
The fact that simple scientific ‘fact’ affronts some people, shows just how far society has followed the mad hatter down the rabbit hole..
It isn’t a fact though.
https://thefocusfoundation.org/x-y-chromosomal-variations/#:~:text=The%20X%20%26%20Y%20Variations%20include,XXYY%2C%20and%2049%2C%20XXXXY.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/populations/health-of-people-with-intersex-variations
Exactly, Basic A-Level Biology is just that, the basics, once you actually look into it it’s a LOT more complicated than that.
If people don’t want to read, this Video by professional biolgist Forrest Valkai is a decent primer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szf4hzQ5ztg
Forest ang with Professor Dave are amazing science presenters
Yeah. Just finished wading through your conversation with John and his final “I won’t read your links” really sums up the Transphobic position. It just makes me sad and disappointed.
Yep.
Scottish business man in Cuba. At the bar drinking after a day’s work. A bearded revolutionary in military fatigues comes in, orders a drink. When the barman asks for payment the revolutionary taps his nose knowingly and says ‘ Castro’s army mate…its on the house for me’. The barman grovels and says, sure no problem. This happens a couple more times. The business man cottons on and the next time he orders himself a refill single malt he does the same thing, taps his nose and says Castros army. The barman says, come off it, you aren’t in Castros army,… Read more »
🙂 🙂
😂🤣 spot on.
.
John ……. 20 police are on their way to your door…. They are just passing a bank robbery…..
Do you allow people to decide their own sexuality?
Yes that’s a behaviour.
Do you think that such behaviour is chosen? Or inherit within a person?
Did you reply and then delete it?
I did reply but it was too long and wandering it was deemed to be spam. So briefly then, I think the susceptibility or tendency to the behaviour is likely inherited but not in the same way phenotype – genotype way as characteristics like eye colour. I think it’s a sort of cultural inheritance – a memory of some severe trauma which affected the sense of self. The trauma may occur in your present life. When you try to counter its effects you suffer in some way, mostly mentally and emotionally. If you give way to it then you don’t… Read more »
So in short, if I may, all non heterosexuals are the result of trauma in childhood? Do you have any evidence to back this up? Is it any trauma? Would loss of a parent bring on homosexuality for example? I’m fairly confident that if you delve into most people’s past that many (probably all) of us will have an ancestor who suffered major trauma in childhood, so I’m surprised that , based on you logic, there are any heterosexuals left. You are now talking about “giving way”, “countering”, “suffering”. You are basically objectifying any people that you believe vary from… Read more »
I have only anecdotal evidence from within my family so no, no scientific or statistical evidence. I believe that the trauma theory was for time, an accepted view proposed by US psychologists; but it was abandoned; possibly because it became politically incorrect. As you say people have their pride and don’t like to be labelled as ‘broken’, Nevertheless we know that the mind can be injured. Lots of servicemen suffer from PTSD for example. When you are blindsided in combat and the adrenaline is running high the brain suffers injury – nervous connections are broken which may take years to… Read more »
It was abandoned because it contained no evidence, and was itself ideologically inspired by people who desperately wanted non heater to be in some way suffering from a “disease”, and that this “disease” could be “cured”. Harking back to ,”research” dating back to the 50s will reveal a lot, mostly nonsense, which reflected that societies desire to “cancel” certain , non mainstream, patterns. Non heterosexual behaviour has always existed, it wasn’t invented recently, it is part of the norm, you, and Pope Francis might like to wash it away by implying that it is wrong, broken, not right but the… Read more »
Several points there. Firstly it is instructive to parse the word ‘disease’ after the fashion of the holistic medics: dis – ease means literally to be in a state of mental or emotional unease. Secondly, as you say, physical or social rejection or mistreatment is wrong. Thirdly ( and this applies to everyone) in its teaching and actions the church is seeking to minimise the damage you do to yourself and to others which tend to arise from your wounds. As the saying goes, hurt people hurt. Most often there is no cure for our problems, but you can adopt… Read more »
Most non heterosexuals are (or would be) mostly perfectly at ease with themselves if it weren’t for statements such as yours and those of the church categorising them as “unwell”.
You are saying that it is a problem to be gay, but it simply isn’t that is you imposing your
Belief onto someone else.
As for religion I won’t be debating that here.
(Not just human populations btw, there’s a lot of Animal Homosexuality out there too.)
Until they choose it we dont know so it’s chosen surely?
Well, I for one do not believe that sexuality is chosen
Okay, if it’s a choice, try choosing to be gay for a week, and come back and tell me how that went. 🙂
Im sure it would be lovely if I was that way inclined.
What I was trying to say is that until you ‘decide’ what you are then surely you can ‘be’ anything…so in fact you have then ‘chosen’.I suppose its semantics.
It kind of is and kind of isnt is but it also important. So first the semantic point: Let’s put it like this: do you remember when you “chose” to be attracted to women or was it just something that happened (assuming you’re cis-het-amab, apologies if not)? It kind of sounds ridiculous when you put it that way round doesn’t it? Now the reason it isn’t semantics: choice implies conscious action as opposed to something that just happens. It opens the door to things like conversion therapy or imprisoning homosexual people because they “chose” to be attracted to the same… Read more »
sexuality and sex are different are they not ?
Irrelevant.
“sexuality and sex are different are they not ?”
Redshift, Irrelevant….
In another time and place you would have done very well in the Spanish inquisition Redshirt…
Got to love the modern mindset of blinkered tunnel vision, it’s like a new religion, blindly follow or be screamed down by the baying mob …..
You are the baying mob old chap, demanding that you are right and others are wrong.
You are saying that sexual variants are chosen and not an inherent part of people’s lives.
You are the one telling people how they should be, based on your view of the world.
Sexuality is not a choice.
Are you gay? Bi? Lesbian?
If you are when did you choose?
Why have you chosen to change my nickname in your response?
If you can’t accept that there are two biological sexes, based on chromosomes, then crack on Redshift, hoist your rainbow flag with the chevron in the corner, representing all creeds, colours and all manner of body modification enthusiasts. I believe the latest version of the flag incorporates a red umbrella too, representing sex workers … So make sure you’re up date with that one, don’t go missing anyone out now…😵💫😵💫🤯 Is there a colour, or shape on that strange flag for middle age white heterosexuals too, or are we discriminated against in this ‘brave new world’ ?? Enjoy, god speed… Read more »
https://thefocusfoundation.org/x-y-chromosomal-variations/#:~:text=The%20X%20%26%20Y%20Variations%20include,XXYY%2C%20and%2049%2C%20XXXXY
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity/whats-intersex#:~:text=Intersex%20is%20a%20general%20term,male%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9Cfemale%E2%80%9D.
I tried reading the links Redshift, unfortunately I lack the interest to trawl though it all…
Try re-educating the impressionable, easily influenced and gullible, it doesn’t work with me, never has…
Good day to you and have a lovely weekend.
The links simply show that their are far more variants than XX YY.
John, if you’re not willing to read and inform yourself then frankly, you’re the gullible.
Ill say the same to you Dern, have a lovely weekend 👍
Kind of hard to when it starts with something as depressing as having to read your position and lack of intrest in broadening your horizons, but I’ll try.
I won’t be biting today Dern, you take it easy mate…
It’s not an attempt at making you bite, it’s a genuine expression of sadness at a position that has directly resulted in assault on friends and family of mine and an unwillingness to engage with the actual science that characterizes that position.
Ohhh, its just occurred to me, you wouldn’t happen to hail from a certain troll farm on the outskirts of St Petersburg would you Redshift?
Is the MSB trying a new approach I wonder ?😉
I wish, I would love to be payed in a currency that is trying hard to find the wreck of the Moskva (sp.)!
In all seriousness though I only started off trying to point out that chromosomes are considerably more complex than they appear and really aren’t as binary as we are taught in school
Lets park this one up then Redshift, have a lovely weekend👍
I’m happy to do that, have a good one yourself 👍👍
Hi Redshift.
I’m a typical, middle aged heterosexual male. I know nothing on this subject, and only know a few gay guys in my job, and none are close friends.
Your comments and links on chromosomes are an eye opener to me, thank you.
And now it’s my turn to thank you Daniele, that at least cheered me up a bit.
👍 no worries.
And thank you, I remember becoming aware of the complexity of the issue from a TV series called the XYY man, from the seventies I think!
err no its not – surely that goes to very crux of the discussion?
Who on the opposition benches has military experience? I only ask as there is the natural clamour on here from Labour supporters for their party to take power.
From what I read of the Shadow DS John Healey, I see no military experience either, but he is a member of Amnesty international. 🙄
Sums it up really mate….
I remember when AI was a genuine and respected apolitical human rights watch organisation, it’s long since been politicised unfortunately and is now little more than a left wing think tank….
‘I only ask as there is the natural clamour on here from Labour supporters for their party to take power.‘
You think? The ‘Labour Party’ nationally is riddled with Corbyn supporters who think they can replace Starmer with Corbyn or a clone. Labour’s vote has collapsed amongst the white working class because Labour has deserted them in favour of minorities, the middle class bubble elites and student activists.
Morning Barry. Of course? There are plenty of Labour supporters here who ravage the Tories on every move they make ( quite rightly too in many instances ) so the points that Shapps has “no military experience” is mute, as neither does Healey, who some same posters have said before that he would be fine.
Until the left wing ousts both him and Starmer of course.
I share all your fears re what is within Labour mate.
Daniele, we’re going to fall out! I’ve never supported the Labour defence team!
David? I was not referring to you as it happens.
Daniele, two words…
Chill
Pill
🙂
Mate, I’m not stressed so on this occasion I don’t need to take one!
What did you mean by your town councillor post elsewhere. I’m confused?
You spoke of anyone on the Labour benches who had defence experience…
I sit on a Labour bench but only as a Town Councillor
(Failed attempt at humour).
.
Ahhh, sorry. If you’d mentioned that it has escaped me over the years.
Just as the Tory Party is riddled with Truss supporters.
They really cannot do worse than the current rabble.
Did I say anything about labour? The only decent minister in government right now has been ousted. Ideally there would be some sort of cross party agreement where a defence secretary with experience on whatever party gets to keep the role.
No Jonny, my point was not on Labour was not in direct response to your comments. Iy was that they too lack military experience, they will be coming next, and there are no comments that Healey is a civvy so he’s no good. My worries on him are ideology. Most DS in recent times lack any military experience, and Wallace is an exception that he was in the military. That was my point. It’s a handy though not imperative qualification for the job. When is any subject matter experience and skill a pre requisite in politics and government! And he’s… Read more »
In a serious post, I’m not sure a Guards Captain is really up there with ‘experience.’
He also misled Parliament with his address to Parliament on frigate numbers and Army numbers amongst other things.
West had experience but the years had shaped his view and I’m not sure he is/was balanced in his judgement.
Give me https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Collins_(British_Army_officer)
For any Party, and he would get my vote.
I know of whom you speak, and I agree.
On BW, maybe not. I think one must also take into account other roles. I believe he had “security” roles in HMG prioe6, which no doubt involved the intelligence services.
“Defence” as we know is more than RN, Army, RAF.
Did he? I missed that.
“Defence” as we know is more than RN, Army, RAF.
And Collins was actively in role across the spectrum… and only 63.
Is he? I know him for his famous speech while in the army and for his outspoken media comments regards defence.
But not in politics.
He was badged.
I think he went from a badged Major over to L/Col of the Royal Irish; others will know better.
I only met a badged Ranger who came over as CSM – and found out quickly I was on the wrong side of him… He corrected my mistake.
Yes, I’d heard he was with “them”
Lack of military experience needn’t be a problem, if the people with that experience are listened to. Now that if is traditionally a very big if…
Me… although it is only on a Town Council, sorry Daniele.
Sorry, you’ve lost me, what on Town Council?
On Shapps, I actually think it’s a pity Sunak didn’t choose one of the other candidates.
I differ from other posters that I’m not convinced he will make much difference, cause much damage, with a GE not far away and the budget set.
A place holder, nothing more.
You left the z out of AI’s name.
Someone with a history of making the promises needed to score votes without actually doing them (as transport minister)?
Yes I wonder what Rishi has in mind..
What’s an unelected husband of a billionaire thinking when he has zero chance of getting elected next year.
Me thinks he is thinking of lining his pockets with a cushy free trade deal for India and his billionaire father in law.
I get it Jim, the government are terrible, most totally agree, including myself….
What most will disagree with you is that you actually seem to think the laughable rabble on the opposite benches will be any better….
I would suggest your use of the modifier ‘most’ will be tested within 18months. Shall we come back to your post then?
It’s all he has ever thought about since day 1…
Perhaps:
https://youtu.be/uWYmmeuM4Ow?si=0T2bGu7M8YmltHr9
He’s probably thinking how defence can be used to boost his wife’s share holdings, as per every other government spending policy the slimy bastard has overseen.
It appears he values loyalty over defence experience or ability
Whose shit at every thing he does???
Here’s a clue … it begins with G.S.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The man is a joke
Don’t worry, he won’t be in post long.
Well that’s it then, a complete muppet and a yes man to Rishi, god help us.
Give him a go but it’s a hard act to follow on from BW.
Of course, but look at his track record, pretty grim
This is a bit like appointing Steve Bothwick to manage the England rugby side and expect us to win? Doooohhh
Well the Aussies have Eddie Jones and I don’t think they’ve won anything since he’s been charge! We’ll have to wait and see who makes it to the top in the World Cup!
South Africa but I am biased,
Might be our cuzzies in NZ!
Not if they play like they did last Friday, lol,
Ahh yes…..lol 😁
Made me feel very proud, particularly as an expat living in NZ! Go Boks !
No no . bokke all the way!
Agree SA just bet the Kiwis by the largest margin ever 7-39 I think it was.
7-35 I was at the game, nearly full house and Great atmosphere everyone having banter and a laugh.
You lucky sod Mick, I am hugely envious! Good coverage on the telly though .
And interesting that the Boks had no penalty goal points – all points scored off try’s and conversions. A remarkable performance by any measure.
The AB’s can blame themselves for being iIl disciplined, down to 14 men for pretty much the entire match.
Joke in poor taste.
A purely political appointment as a yes man. I can’t think of a single thing he has done that warrants appointment to DS.
I think Penny Mourdant should have had the role.
I just hope Mr Shapps doesn’t make a Horlicks of Ben Wallace’s good work.
I was hoping it’d be Penny Mordaunt, always thought she’d have been pretty decent with it.
This does seem a bit like a caretaker position, someone to just keep the department ticking over until the next general election. Someone that won’t rock the boat and want to change the world.
EXACTLY.
The SDSR has already happened, the budget and policies set.
Only details are yet to be finalised.
That’s exactly what it is, a political appointment of a Sunak ally who won’t rock the boat until the next general election. Unfortunately I predict that as well as not rocking the boat he (Schapps) also won’t get anything done. Nadine Dorries had it right when she described this government as a “zombie government”. They know they’ve only got about a year until they have to call an election and they’re all looking at the polls and expecting to be kicked out of office. Because of that end-of-days attitude I think the current government is scared of doing anything bold… Read more »
Yes, a fine post. On Defence, lots has already been announced. Only detail in project Wavell is awaited. And that is an army affair.
Yes, that’s the way I read it; a holding appointment. BW has steadied the defence ship through the storms. The major medium term directions and budgets have been set. The next cabinet re-shuffle will be to form the team which will present and defend the tory election manifesto.
At least the service chiefs seem to be more outspoken. Hopefully turn this muppet into their puppet.
Yes, lets hope he actually has a sense of “service” himself or learns it quick and is there to do a good job.
There hasnt been an outspoken service chief in years, we only hear from them when they leave
Except for Sanders, give him his due.
PM picked Shapps no Military experience ,plus friend of PM well he argue for more money 💰not a chance pm wants an ease ride or yes man maybe.Which would not happen with someone with Military experience .There again we could say give a him a chance 🤔
In his last two ministerial jobs he lasted 4 and 6 months respectively. What does this tell us?
That he’s a “hopper”! 😂
General election in March 2024….when the sap is rising and the Tory press can best whip up gonadal emotions.
4 months, 6 months…. surely then 8 months to the election and the first week in May.
Yes, indeed May is more traditional. And it gives more time for the economy and the national mood to improve, the Ukraine conflict to resolve and labour to falter.
Last G.E. was Dec 2019, so next one should be Dec 2024, although some are saying Jan 2025.
Thx for that dispiriting thought 😉
This country needs it much more quickly than that.
What an appalling choice Sunak has made for Ben Wallace’ replacement as SoS Defence in Grant Schraps, which once again calls into question his judgement Schwraps was a complete failure as Chairman of the Conservative party. When Transport Secretary he failed to close the borders at the start of the Covid virus crisis, allowing it to rapidly become established here and cause 180,000 deaths. He presided over the HGV driver shortage and then the petrol crisis, claiming for weeks that there was in fact no crisis at all. He failed to commit the HS2 line to Leeds but presided over… Read more »
If he’s that bad you do have to wonder how such a bungler makes it into the higher levels of cabinet at all. Hopefully the needs of the UK military and alliances and live situations like Ukrainian conflict might wake him up a tad!
It may wake him up – but it won’t make him more intelligent or insightful. The man is a joke.
I can’t decide who is more incompetent – Shapps or Sunak for appointing him.
Sunak will- in my opinion- lead the Tories to failure at the next GE.
Absolutely. That was apparent as soon as Sunak became PM.
I’d have preferred Mourdaunt or Heappey.
There you go. Politics.
Mordant was on a Question Time? Politics Live? And really didn’t come across.
Not as much of a failure as Mercer, who was dire, but she was terrible.
Then again Tobias Ellwood and Tom Tugenhart really fail to project as well; for all they ‘served’ it doesn’t translate into public speaking and communicating with the populace.
It might have been worse. The Torygraph was wanting Liam Fox, who organised the disastrous 2010 SDSR and who Theresa May sacked in a scandal.
He’s prepared to get up in the morning for the tame BBC Breakfast interviews; the media have been pants in holding this Government to account.
One word. Boris!
At least Boris made us all laugh!!
… at times…
Grant Shapps, seriously? This is man whose answer to those who couldn’t afford petrol after a massive hike in the price of petrol “was go and buy a Tesla”.
Grant Shapps – bloody hell. Is the PM trying to run scorched earth policies everywhere, so that he looks better by comparison? And Sunak had 2 or 3 probably competent potential Ministers of Defence around – James Heappey, Penny Mordaunt or Tobias Ellwood. In my observation, Shapps is slimier than Gollum. From when he ran internet businesses as an MP whilst denying he was doing so, to his recent (2022) statements about Numberplates for Cyclists to jerk off the Daily Mail, whilst in possession of a report from his own department saying it was nonsense. I wouldn’t trust Shapps to… Read more »
He’s a yes man who’s a shoo in for Sunak, ensuring he gets no ear ache from the MOD when during the run up to the next election, money will be diverted from defence on mass to fund weird and wonderful giveaways in which to try and entice the electorate to vote Conservative. The only problem there is, Labour will be even worse.
Unfortunately, you are right about Labour.
Unfortunately it may be the only way to hold this current Tory shower to account.
You have to balance what the impact of losing will have on their future party stratagem vs. the impact of 4 years of Labour policies.. and hope losing will induce a change in Tory approach.
If it does then they are back in , if not then little has been lost.
I am seriously begining to feel it is worth the risk.
I would expect the Labour mnifesto policy will be to support their electoral base; to prioritise job creation. Not saying another 2 Brown carriers …but I would expect more Scottish frigates and expansion of UK armoured vehicle and artillery manufacture. And helos if that is not already sorted by the current govt. AUKUS leaves little money for anything else. Think Scotland, Unions and marginal constituencies and Europe you get Labour defence policy 🙂
“Poisonous Schapps self-promotion machine”. Nice turn of phrase 😉
No , go on say what you really mean 👍👍👍👍
https://i.postimg.cc/gkFnRGDJ/Untitled-1.jpg
👍👍 like it Faruok😄😄⭐
Brilliant Farouk, you nailed it in one.
ROFL …very good!
Useless tw@t.
Shapps will be an absolute disaster, everything he has been in he ruins. Whatever is the PM thinking or is he just the only one left out of a bad bunch?
Wallace was bad enough as a closet general but at least he had some military service as a lowly captain in the Army. It’s really bad in this country when we haven’t had a decent Minister of Defence since WW2.
😡 wasn’t expecting that feeble pathetic choice 😡who gave Sunak the keys to that clown’s box. Put him back,FFS.
We’re doomed 😎
I wonder which name he will use on his MoD ID card? Anyway, enjoy endstage Zionist occupation government.
Pardon?
I agree they are not as antisemitic as Labour but normally the Torys are keen to lick Arab ass and critisize Israel because Gulf Arabs have serious money so are worshipped.
Why do you think they want the Saudis in on Tempest?
What do you mean, “pardon”? It’s written text. Without using caps lock I’m not sure how else to help you.
Well it wasnt very coherent text really was it?
I assume he meant ‘pardon’ in more of a ‘what are you on’ context rather than ‘sorry I do not understand’ context.
That’s a bit out there. End stage Zionist occupation government
In a land of confusion who can we vote for with common sense and forethought. Perhaps it’s time to beat Drakes drum and wake up King Arthur!
As I feared from Sunak, a “Yes man”
This is where Sir Humphrey earns his wages.
Another useless fxxxxxg idiot, good god this government is nothing but scrapping the barrel with this idiot ,they appoint people who have no fxxxxxg clue about defence, wallace was ex army but does not excuse the political party he represents, that has destroyed and devastated Britain’s armed forces and Labour not any better,
👍
A yes man it won’t change anything years of cuts reduced navy army air force ships that are worn out before time ,we are now having to hope the US will help us out even France with a smaller budget are better placed more ships more personnal more aircraft , At a time where we are seeing other countries increased their budget , we are standing still , its a good job i hope we have a G/E in the next year or so ,
Just goes to show that the UK is a meritocracy. You don’t have to go to Eton and read PPE at Oxford to get into government. Watford Grammar and Manchester Poly will do it. It’s the talent that counts.
I hope that was meant as humour – you know …in the vein of …”it doesn’t matter where you get educated its whether you are are inherently a twat or not that counts”?….I hope.
Glad someone spotted it. I was beginning to lose hope 😂
it was very subtle- I almost missed it myself.
Mr Schapps is an object lesson in how to blagg your way to the top. At some point he will be found out. Let’s hope its not while he is secretary for defence.
https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications?page=1&people=grant-shapps
https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications?level_one_taxon=e491505c-77ae-45b2-84be-8c94b94f6a2b&people%5B%5D=grant-shapps&order=updated-newest
I think the above says it all. 868 Govt communications from him, 1 about the military (3 years ago) and that was about VE Day. Clearly the right man for the job….
This guy is an utter baboon. He has zero credibility. No expertise in military affairs or even a passing knowledge of what the UK armed forces need.
Disaster.
I wonder which of his many characters will take up this position 🤔
Mr Green was in a Bond Film?
Dominic Greene was the main antagonist in Quantum of Solace……
What does any defence secretary actually contribute? Big spending commitments are collective cabinet decisions and routine organisational management is done by senior military leaders. Future Soldier reorganisation was the army’s brainchild. So Wallace’s departure won’t make much of a difference. What would make a difference is some clear thinking, free of the Global Britain waffle in the Integrated Review, about what our defence forces need to be capable of. The existing budget ought, if properly managed, to be sufficient to fund strong self defence capabilities. But first we need to move away from the emphasis on expeditionary capacity, first announced… Read more »
Haven’t we always had expeditionary armed forces? I don’t recall the last time we seriously fought on home soil – wasn’t that in 1066?
Well, fighting OVER home soil should count today – 1940 > 45.
He’s got a Pilots license 🤫 Rishi therefore thinks he’s the man for the job 🙈
In all fairness to Grant, he’s capable, intelligent and a nice chap who I think will do a good job – I hope I’m right.
The main thing for me is that Tobias wasn’t given the job – now that would have been interesting.
“The main thing for me is that Tobias wasn’t given the job – now that would have been interesting”.
Care to elaborate …I’m interested.
Connections to this – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/77th_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)
I do feel I’ve met two incumbents of that unit, one used his position in Border Force to coerce his foreign born wife, very controlling, misogynistic, nasty specimen of a man, and actually a Major at the time.
Another government department for this clown to mess up.
You know the problem with attacking somebody you don’t now for being Incompetent? You’re going to look awfully silly if he gets it right.
Meanwhile we have the government that we all know and love; Labour who can solve every crisis in the world as long as they’re in opposition; the Liberals who are still trying to find themselves and Reform who deserve a mention because their manifesto is quite entertaining as long as you believe in fairies. Dear God, what a bunch.😹
Last time I looked the Greens were polling 5 times more than Reform, and of course some of us have the wonderful options of SNP or PC, plus the whole mess in NI.
Daft as it may sound I would almost rather vote Green. At least they believe in something, albeit some of it a bit strange. A vote for Reform is like saying ” here you go Labour. Welcome to government”🙄
A correction for my earlier comments. The latest opinion polls have Reform closing on the Greens and not that far behind the Lib Dems. A bit worrying for me as I think they are dangerous nutters.
Re Greens I am very concerned about a range of environmental issues and would vote Green if they were not such technophobes. I think at least one more generation of fission plants is needed.
A vote for Reform is a vote for Labour. Reform is centre right and is only going to take votes from on party.👉
This will be more of the same pre Wallace, no idea and lack of any military experience. British defence will be bottom of the pile again, but this time the world in more dangerous.
he be walked over by Treasury and its people inside MoD , so more slow reductions in numbers and spending less on important equipment and training.
probably moved on again in 12 months so a new secretary can face the election interviews by disclaiming everything as ‘before my time’
I think this also touches on the wider point of politicians being put in as heads of department, when they have no knowledge or experience of that particular subject (defence, energy, business, pensions, environment whatever) and then move on at a whim leaving a complete mess. One would hope that the in-post Civil Servants in each department have the right knowledge and experience to advise but, given the current state of the Nation, and their bias, it does not look a very safe set of hands. What is the alternative? Only appoint politicians to a post when they have real… Read more »
Civil Servants can only pass the hand grenades. It’s up to the minister to lob them.
I think the problem is that nowadays it is POLADs who advise Ministers, and the Civil Service just do what they are told to do by ‘their’ Minister.
That would mean Defence for those that have served in some way. Presumably Home Secretary ex-Police or maybe Prison Service; Education ex teachers only; Health, Doctors or will Nurses/Paramedics suffice?
Is the SoS there to represent those working in a field to the rest of the country or the rest of the country to those working in a field?
If followed consistently your suggestion would give the Tories a major head ache filling Education and Health, and Labour one filling Defence and Home Office.
Justice comes under Home Office and Labour have one or, ahem, two lawyers in their ranks.
😉
Police come under Home office , justice has its own SoS for Ministry of Justice, covers judiciary and courts , prisons and probation
Hopefully Mr Green doesn’t actually do anything and lets Radakin get on with his job.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Heappey stays.
Cant even see the bottom of the barrel.
Ben Wallace, probably the only competent Conservative minister replaced by a complete fcuk wit. God help us!!
What an awful choice to make, but then again what damage can he actually do ?
The simple fact is that the entire country is effectively on a GE countdown, and no one is going to allow some dumb Numpty like GS screw it’s up.
Move on folks if it is identifying the next guy and trying to influence them that matters.
Labour are going to wallop the Tory’s simple Iz 🤔
BAE has just signed a contract with Ukraine to build 105mm light guns. M777 and CV90s in Ukraine. Very interesting. That’s one way for Ukraine to get the hardware it needs.
Be interesting to see the cost of the CV90 compared to an equivalent Boxer, Lynx or Ascod.
The CV90s that CZ has just ordered are £8.8m each, compared to about £5.3m for a Boxer.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/czech-government-approves-purchase-246-armoured-combat-vehicles-2023-05-24/
Evening Graham, that £3.5m difference is huge. Over half a Boxer! Still, I feel tracks on the “front” of the front line would still be my first choice rather than wheeled. No experience from me of course. I’ll listen to those that know.
Evening Quentin, The German Puma is £14.7m each. The price of complex AFVs is now huge – ‘Defence inflation’ is far higher than ordinary inflation. We used to use wheeled APCs (with a MG) to accompany tanks (Saracen – 1952-1962), then adopted MG-equipped tracked APCs (FV432 – 1963-1987), then replaced that with the tracked IFV with a 30mm cannon (Warrior -1987 onwards). If Boxer is issued to our armoured infantry in the armoured BCTs with just a MG, it will be just a wheeled APC – and many would think we have gone full circle and regressed. I maintain that… Read more »
Just a quick reply before work. Even as a total outsider, majority of Boxers as GPMG armed APCs sounds like a mad and wasteful decision, and a potentially deadly one. Hope for the Army that those in the know get listened to and a more balanced fleet mix happens. I wonder if they are rueing not doing the Warrior upgrade? Who knows. The Australian Army here has recently chosen the Redback IFV, in a smaller number (147 I think) that looks useful. The Ukrainian conflict is showing us all what works and what doesn’t daily. We’re not getting that much… Read more »
Reported back on 5th April, there is an army committee looking into the Boxer lethality issue!
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/04/06/british-army-wants-more-punch-in-its-boxer-vehicle-fleet/
Not heard the outcome yet, some 5 months on.
We will probably be the only significant nation (apart from the French) who won’t have a tracked, cannon-equipped IFV for armoured infantry to mutually support tanks.
Evening Graham, yes remember that we had a thread on all this before. Sorry to bring it up again. I do know nothing, but seriously, all Boxers for IFVs, it looks bloody crazy, even deadly stupid. Whoever makes the final decision on all the Boxers, Mr Shapps?(?), with input Nicholas Hammond others, they really need to think about all the lads in those things going out into any conflict. Are we following the French on this for the same treason? Maybe i/we’re missing something. May a very sensible decision be made. As you and many others say, at least arm… Read more »
Going way back Boxers were meant to replace Saxons and the residual FV430s (that had not been replaced by Warrior). That was a fairly good idea.
I bet they wont get insurance for those factories….
Minister of Managed(?) Decline?.
I assume that nobody specific will be Shipbuilding Tsar, and any naval shipbuilding decisions will fall to Cartlidge.
Who is Grant Shapps?
Grant Shapps has a storied political career that includes multiple ministerial roles since becoming the Member of Parliament (MP) for Welwyn Hatfield in 2005.
Well, quite. Who is he? We have a choice:
Michael Green, Sebastian Fox and Corinne Stockheath.
Total chancer who has been demoted for bullying and who the communication skills of a newt.
Why are the Press bigging up his communication skills? He just bullshits, bluffs and blusters.
Time for a General Election.
Stop sitting on the fence.