All articles written by Lord Walney on PoliticsHome.com

02 Jun Defence

Keir Starmer needs a better story to sell his defence leadership

Keir Starmer should be commended for delivering where predecessors failed on national defence. But without better communication, he may struggle to bring voters, and even some of his MPs, with him.

26 Jul 2024 Defence

Spend on defence, not scrapping the two child benefit cap

Beset by competing demands for action, President Kennedy famously told his party: “Others may confine themselves to debate, discussion, and that ultimate luxury – free advice. Our responsibility is one of decision – for to govern is to choose.”

07 Jul 2021 Defence

The SNP’s insistence that Trident be removed should be a total non-starter

The lack of options for moving the UK’s nuclear deterrent outside Scotland means Scottish independence would impact the defence of both countries and jeopardise Scotland’s future membership of Nato.

11 Apr 2019 Defence

Paying tribute to the submariners and civilian workers who have helped keep our deterrent out at sea for half a century

Barrow MP John Woodcock writes to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent following a debate in the House of Commons.

02 Apr 2019 Brexit

I was sceptical for many months about the merits of a second referendum, but I am one of the reluctant converts reflected in the indicative votes

Be it customs union or the PM’s deal, advocates of these unedifying compromise Brexits need to put their option to the public. Even at this terrifying late hour there is still time to make that happen, says John Woodcock MP.

14 Nov 2018 Defence

In an uncertain world we must renew our commitment to the national endeavour of continuous at-sea deterrence

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock marks the 50th anniversary of the first UK nuclear patrol by HMS Resolution. He is hosting an event in parliament to mark this anniversary, which will be attended by Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffith.

31 Jan 2018 Foreign affairs

Government should make it harder for Jihadis to evade the law when they return to Britain

Labour MP John Woodcock writes ahead of his adjournment debate today on ‘British Jihadis returning from Iraq and Syria’.