New Times,
New Thinking.

13 July 2009

Reid in attack dog mode

Former Defence Secretary makes a startling intervention during a Commons Afghanistan debate

By James Macintyre at the House of Commons

A very dramatic moment by Defence questions standards just now during a Commons debate on Afghanistan.

Michael Ancram (Tory) referred to the alleged claim by the former Defence Secretary, John Reid, that “not a shot would be fired” there.

Dr Reid, who leapt to his feet, intervened to say that he had in fact said he would be “happy” if that were the case. He asked the frontbench to confirm that, which it did, and for the Tories to stop “misrepresenting” the position. He accused Ancram of “inadvertently misleading the House”, in classic “attack dog” mode, but he also sounded as desperate as anyone for the dire situation in Afghanistan to improve.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>