NSA appointment reflects UK defence policy vacuum
The corridors of Whitehall are generally quiet peaceful places, but in recent weeks there has been the Civil Service equivalent of an almighty shouting match, with the UK’s most senior civil servant Sir Mark Sedwill announcing his retirement from the role of Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor (NSA).
His departure from the post has come earlier than expected, amidst reports of tensions at the very top of Whitehall between himself and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, particularly over the handling of the UK government’s response to COVID-19.
There was barely concealed surprise among many mandarins with the news that
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