In his first appearance before the defence select committee, Wes Streeting demonstrated a marked departure from his typically high-profile political persona, adopting a more reserved and jargon-heavy approach that suggested he had settled into his role at the Ministry of Defence, according to political sketch writer John Crace.
Streeting, who was appointed defence secretary in July, initially seemed an unlikely fit for the position, given his preference for public attention over the shadowy, unsmiling demeanor typically associated with defence secretaries.
However, recent appearances, including at the Labour party conference where he maintained a distinctly low profile, indicated a shift in his approach. Crace noted that Streeting appeared thoroughly acclimated to the MoD, speaking primarily in acronyms such as SDR, DIP, and NAD.
The defence secretary emphasized that the UK and its NATO allies were facing their gravest threat since the Cold War, though he declined to elaborate on specific preparedness concerns, citing potential enemy surveillance.
When questioned about the commitment to allocate 3% of GDP to defence by 2030, Streeting was unable to provide details on timing or implementation, instead expressing confidence in existing leadership and resource management.
Permanent Secretary Jeremy Pocklington defended the department’s budget allocation strategies, particularly regarding backloaded spending, though Crace described the explanation as evasive.
Streeting acknowledged his reluctance to engage in military conflict, stating he was not keen on fighting a war, which Crace suggested distinguished him favorably from former Conservative defence secretary Penny Mordaunt.
The article contrasted Streeting’s approach with Mordaunt’s recent appearance on Sky’s ‘The War Game,’ a simulated crisis exercise that Crace characterized as poorly executed, with participants making suboptimal decisions under pressure.
Crace concluded that Streeting’s performance indicated a politician who had found his footing in a role requiring discretion and strategic communication, marking a departure from his previous, more visible political style.
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