Call Security

The presence of Nia Griffith as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence has prevented the cutting through of what would otherwise be one of the most popular aspects of Corbynism.

I refer to the retreat from international adventurism, and from the cultural militarism that appeared out of nowhere from the Blair years onwards. 

On the latter point, Britain was less like in the 15 years after the War, when National Service and much of the Empire still existed, than it has become in the last 20 years. It is all very alien.

But then again, Secretary of State for Defence is now largely a titular position. It has become one of those historical relics whereby certain people are brought into the Cabinet for party management purposes, like Lord Privy Seal, or Lord President of the Council, or Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

The real power lies with the unelected National Security Adviser who peremptorily sacked the last Secretary of State for Defence, and who rules through a National Security Council with no statutory basis for its existence.

Britain is crying out for a Shadow National Security Adviser, and that position is crying out for Charles Shoebridge. He would be welcome to do the job from my office as the Member of Parliament for North West Durham. The sitting MP has made no such offer.

Another hung Parliament is coming, and we need our people to hold the balance of power in it. It has become a local commonplace that I am on 30-30-30 with Labour and the Conservatives here at North West Durham, so that any one of us could be the First Past the Post.

I will stand for this seat, if I can raise the £10,000 necessary to mount a serious campaign. Please email davidaslindsay@hotmail.com. Very many thanks.