No...not that Dr Fox
Just when the Tories had hoped the papers would be awash with back to front coverage of what Guido and many on the right are referring to as a “Geek tragedy” – a racy and confidential letter from a Secretary of State to the Prime minister has had the ill fortune of being leaked to the Daily Telegraph.
The fact Defence Secretary Liam Fox’s rant made it into the public domain will infuriate Tory high command, as it will no doubt split and divert print from the goings on at the Labour party conference. This is just the latest in a long line of leaks – perhaps Cameron should call a plumber…
The strongly worded letter suggested that current savings risk “destroying much of the reputation and capital” of the MoD. Fox also stated that “If it continues on its current trajectory it is likely to have grave political consequences for us.” The nation’s military capabilities help maintain worldwide British clout and the sense that we punch above our weight in world affairs. Encapsulated so appropriately in the fact we still, undeservedly some say, hold a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Dr Fox is asserting that Britain’s reputation as a key player in world affairs should not be compromised by what he says are “draconian cuts” being thrust his way.
Cabinet level discussions on how much fat each department will have to trim, apparently have not taken place. Fox is not the first to voice concern about orders coming from the top. Iain Duncan Smith was until recently at loggerheads with George Osborne over funding levels that might restrict IDS’s plans.
It is very noticeable how leaky Whitehall has become of late. It is not good for the authority of the centre if government plans, or letters such as this are leaked on a continuous basis. Only last week the true extent of the quango cull was leaked. It is hardly good governance.
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