Who is the new adviser in charge of national security?

After some months of speculation, the prime minister has appointed Jonathan Powell, veteran adviser to Tony Blair, as his national security adviser.

- SEAN O'GRADY

Powell, formerly a professional diplomat, spent more than a decade as Blair's chief of staff, both in opposition and in government. Famously, he was the British government’s chief negotiator in the talks that led up to the historic Good Friday Agreement, and deserves a good deal of the credit for that.

He was intimately involved in much of what New Labour did, and, since he left full-time official duties, has worked in consultancy and conflict resolution. Keir Starmer welcomed him because “he is uniquely qualified to advise the government on tackling the challenges ahead and [to] engage with counterparts across the globe to protect and advance UK interests”.

It is said that, before she left her role at Starmer’s side, Sue Gray advised him to bring more people with governmental experience into his inner circle... In his new role, Powell will certainly fill that brief.

What does the national security adviser do?

The role was created in 2010 by David Cameron, ironically enough as a result of the way in which intelligence matters had been handled before the 2003 allied invasion of Iraq – events that Powell had been involved with in his time with Blair.

The role is, indeed, to “advise” the prime minister and cabinet on the various security risks to the UK, at home and abroad; and to make recommendations as appropriate to the PM. In that capacity, Powell will attend the National Security Council, which coordinates intelligence and activities across Whitehall, including the intelligence agencies, Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence and so on.