Boris Johnson’s foreign policy, defence and security review in turmoil, say insiders

The review is billed as the most comprehensive audit of the UK’s defence capabilities since the Cold War
The review is billed as the most comprehensive audit of the UK’s defence capabilities since the Cold War
IAN WALDIE/GETTY IMAGES

Boris Johnson’s sweeping foreign policy, defence and security review is at risk of unravelling before it has begun, sources have said.

The prime minister announced plans during the election to conduct the most comprehensive review of the UK’s defence capabilities since the Cold War.

Disagreements have broken out over appointments to key panels and timetables, however. “There are a series of rows and some nasty internal politics that have raged over the forthcoming integrated review,” a source said.

A government source said that there was consternation about a series of “has-beens” who had been appointed to the review. Insiders believe Dominic Cummings was behind the departure of Christopher Brannigan, the defence lead in the No 10 policy unit, last week.

Two new aides were brought