The Rest Is Politics: Leading 156. Defence Secretary, John Healey: Is Britain Ready For War?
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Oct 5, 2025 John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence and a long-serving Labour MP, shares insights from his political journey since 1997. He discusses the evolving mood of the public, contrasting today's impatience with the patience of 1997. Healey provides an analysis of the appeal of figures like Nigel Farage and reflects on the importance of societal resilience in defence strategies. From UK-US defense relations to lessons learned from Ukraine, he emphasizes the need for robust defence reform and effective communication of government achievements.
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1997's Unique Political Momentum
- The 1997 election created a strong national appetite for change and a sustained honeymoon for government.
- That clear sense of purpose helped Parliament operate as a more cohesive, attentive institution.
Social Media Shortens Political Patience
- Social media has amplified grievance and reduced patience for political change compared to 1997.
- That amplification makes governing and communicating achievement much harder today.
Rotherham By-Election Warning
- Healey recalled the 2012 Rotherham by-election when UKIP polled 24% after a single Farage visit.
- He uses that example to show populist surges are not new in former industrial areas.
