For all who have travelled by plane we are reminded every time of the location of the emergency exits and of the floor lighting in the event of poor visibility to guide us to the exits. But as these familiar words ring out on every flight I did wonder if Rishi Sunak got this same advice on a recent flight he took as I believe he will be a frequent flyer over the coming weeks. He was, courtesy of the Telegraph, pictured standing in the aisle of a plane but clearly visible just in the foreground was a sign for the exit. I believe, as tens of millions do, that Sunak will need an exit plan come 5 July.
Self-destruction
Sunak’s decision to announce a general election is political suicide but the timing is impeccable for those who want change. The nation has an opportunity to gain its independence from the Tories and hopefully it will last for at least for a decade. But how could the leader without consulting his MPs and ministers make the general election decision that has angered many in his party?
Deluded and out of touch
When you are so rich, preoccupied with your own self-image and surround yourself with others who have the same values and outlook it’s easy to look aloof and out of touch with voters. Sunak, I believe, likes tennis, has his own gym and swimming pool in his Yorkshire house. On recent visits he asked Welsh brewery workers about the Euro football games which knocked the froth off his visit there, And his visit to Belfast with the Harland and Wolff shipyard which made the Titanic, in the background, gave the obvious opportunity for questions.
Security of the nation
National security is the first priority of any government but have the Tories made this a priority and can we believe them? Yes spending is due to increase from 2% of GDP to 2.5% of GDP and yes we have nuclear submarines as deterrents but if we look beyond the spending pledges we cannot even get sufficient manpower for current ships and some are being retired early so new ships will have enough crew.
So what about the army? The recruitment crisis is just as bad there. Similarly, the Royal Airforce is experiencing huge training issues. But of course Sunak saw a solution and, on Sunday 24May, announced it – national service.
Teenage Dad’s Army
For those who love Dad’s Army this description of the new national service as being the ‘teenage’ version seemed so apt, the national press had a field day mocking the announcement made through the pages of the Daily Mail. It was appropriate that Sunak had to fight and defend his plan.
We now know that the plan was not discussed in advance with the Ministry of Defence and the defence minister had ruled out its introduction on Thursday 23May the day after the general election was called. I did wonder if communications with the Ministry of Defence had failed or perhaps had been jammed. So, what was the real reason for the idea?
It may become apparent in the weeks ahead. But in the interim its worth reflecting on the very poor housing conditions that service men and women have to endure daily and how they will feel that £2.5bn has been found from nowhere to fund 30,000 teenagers a year doing their national service in the military all perhaps for a good political sound bite. It’s no wonder there is a recruitment crisis in the military
Having an exit plan
Planning on leaving a job often involves career, financial and life planning. While we know Sunak is not short of money it’s reassuring to know it increased by £122mn according the Sunday Times rich list. But I am thinking practically here. I know of at least four main exits from Downing Street, obviously the main gate but that’s for arrivals isn’t it.
The back entrance that is beside Horse Guard parade is good for a more discrete exit. He could leave through the foreign office but that would mean walking across Downing Street and he would be seen by the world’s media. He could leave by the cabinet office at 70 Whitehall as it leads onto the public road, but if he ran to a waiting car he just might evade the press cameras.
I do wonder which exit he has in mind as he will be leaving for good, back to his Yorkshire gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and away from the public eye. Now that would be an appropriate existence for him away from the public scrutiny of his failing and discredited policies.
Good luck, Sunak, but it’s going to be game set and match to the British electorate.
Independence Day is coming very fast.
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