The Rest Is Politics: Leading 115. Ben Wallace: Britain's mistake in Ukraine, Trump vs. NATO, and visiting Iran with Jeremy Corbyn
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Jan 6, 2025 Ben Wallace, former British Secretary of State for Defence, dives into the UK's response to the Ukraine conflict and critiques Western policies. He shares insights on the complexities of transitioning from soldier to politician and the challenges of leadership within the Conservative Party. Wallace discusses the ramifications of intelligence failures regarding Russia and emphasizes the importance of military aid in Europe. He also reflects on political narratives surrounding Trump, highlighting how misinformation shapes public perception.
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Early Support for Johnson
- Ben Wallace initially supported Boris Johnson's leadership bid.
- He believed Johnson's appeal to those feeling estranged from the political process was necessary.
Brexit Vote and London
- Brexit voters outside metropolitan areas felt their vote was against London's influence.
- They felt estranged from the political process, and Boris Johnson seemed to connect with them.
Shift in Putin's Behavior
- Ben Wallace's experience with the Skripal poisoning highlighted a shift in Putin's actions.
- Deploying nerve agents on British streets demonstrated a disregard for risks and international norms.