Royal Marines Commander Out As National Security Advisor

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has cancelled the appointment of Royal Marines General Gwyn Jenkins as National Security Advisor. Mr. Jenkins was previously appointed as National Security Advisor by Rishi Sunak who showed confidence in Jenkins, saying “ I know he will make an exceptional contribution to this important role – promoting the UK’s interests and protecting our national security around the world.” Mr. Starmer will instead re-run the application process for the role. 

Jenkins has led a long career in the military with deployments to Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, yet he has courted some controversy. 

There are competing claims regarding the dismissal of Jenkins in the new government. Some say he was axed because of Chief of Staff Sue Gray’s dominating new influence in the new government, Starmer’s wish to have a political ally in the post, and Jenkins’ handling of alleged war crimes committed by British Special Forces in Afghanistan. 

Keir Starmer’s newly appointed attorney general, Richard Hermer KC, is a well-known human rights lawyer who previously represented the families of those killed by the Special Air Service. Mr. Hermer has previously called for accountability across the command chain for the murder of Afghan civilians.