I believe that Sir Nicholas Houghton’s comments on the Andrew Marr Show have greatly overstepped the mark. He is not a publically elected person. He is a servant of the State. His position means that he should never express politically partisan comments regarding politicians or political parties.
To state publically that he would have doubts should Jeremy gain power is scandalous. I wonder if it verges on treason?
Having recently watched the extremely good and unsettling ‘A Very British Coup’ I was shocked by his remarks.
If Sir Nicholas has views on the whole business of a nuclear deterrent then he has a right – nay – an obligation – to share those with his political masters (including possible future political masters). But that debate should always take place in private.
Sir Nicholas has to give 100% loyalty to her majesties elected government. That precludes him from ‘taking sides’. By stating his reservations he has effectively taken sides and, more chillingly, interfered with the democratic process. That is not his place.
If he wishes to indulge in partisan politics he must first relinquish his position as Chief of Armed Forces.
As it stands he has taken away any confidence I may have had regarding his ability to perform his role. When Jeremy Corbyn is elected can he now feel he has Sir Nicholas’s support? I think not.
The question arises (probably as a result of my viewing of A Very British Coup – with its chilling scenario of a take-over by the armed forces in the wake of a left-wing government being elected – a la Corbyn) – could it happen here? Is it conceivable that the military would take over under the guise of defending the realm?
Surely not?
Yes it could happen, the establishment and even a lot of the Labour Party supporting Blair it could happen. Disgraceful, is it MOD are supporting what was said on Marr’s show. Jeremy Corbyn had over 60% of the vote.
The establishment have never been big on democracy.
You can say that again.
The establishment have never been big on democracy.