A top military general has been confirmed as the UK’s new national security adviser.
General Gwyn Jenkins will take on the job with the man currently in the role, Sir Tim Barrow, is set to become the UK’s next ambassador to the United States.
Speaking to journalists on the way to Poland, Rishi Sunak said: “I’m really pleased that Gwyn is going to do this job – in an incredibly uncertain and increasingly dangerous world. It’s important the person doing this job has the requisite set of skills to provide advice to me and to help navigate that landscape.
“He has a very distinguished career in the armed forces. He was in the special forces as well as serving in No10 as a military advisor and deputy national security adviser. I’d just point out it’s the first time we’ve had someone with a military background in that job and obviously he has worked in No10 as well so has that policy experience.
“I have worked with Gwyn very closely since I’ve been PM – he’s first rate, the country is lucky to have his service, the Government is very lucky to have his advice and I’m really pleased he’s going to be doing this job.”
Meanwhile Sir Tim, the former ambassador to Ukraine, Russia and the EU, will be sent to the British embassy in Washington at the end of this year.
The position, one of the Government’s most prestigious placements, carries even greater weight in advance of the US presidential election in November, where Donald Trump could win a second term in the White House.
Commenting on his appointment, General Jenkins said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this key position, and return to the Cabinet Office at a critical time for our national security. I previously saw as deputy National Security adviser the significant progress we’ve made through the National Security Council in how we organise, prepare for and respond to threats.
“I look forward to playing my part and working with colleagues across government as we further adapt this approach, striving to keep our nation and way of life safe in these difficult times.”
