Military Chief Insists 'Business As Usual' Amid Security Questions

Britain's defence chief has insisted it is "business as usual" amid concerns over who has the authority to take major decisions in Boris Johnson's absence.

General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, said he believes there is a "very clear" chain of command given by the National Security Council (NSC).

It comes after the Prime Minister was admitted to intensive care on Monday evening after his coronavirus symptoms worsened, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tasked with deputising for the PM "where necessary". 

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Gen Carter wished Mr Johnson a "very, very speedy recovery" and suggested operations would continue without disruption.

He said: “We work straight through to the Prime Minister but of course there’s the National Security Council that’s wrapped around him and formed of many of the Cabinet ministers and supported by the National Security Adviser.

“I think on that basis we’re pretty confident it’s business as usual as far as the operations are concerned." 

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said he could not comment about national security matters when asked if responsibilities connected to a nuclear attack had been passed on to Mr Raab.

In a seperate interview, Mr Gove said "Dominic [Raab] is in charge" and said there are "appropriate ways" to take decisions to keep the country safe. 

Gen Carter said he believed Mr Raab would chair the NSC and would be supported by others.

When asked if he still thought six months was a reasonable timescale for the Armed Forces involvement in the coronavirus operation, Gen Carter replied: "I think that was a reasonable assumption a month ago and I think we're all playing each day as it comes at the moment."

He was also asked about what the military's response would be if there is civil unrest in the country.

“I think it is most unlikely that we would get involved in public order at all," Gen Carter said.

“Generally speaking our role in this is to back-fill the police in those roles that don’t face the public so the police force are able to manage public order on the country’s behalf.”

He added, if needed, the military could also help with “non-prisoner facing” roles in prisons.

Military personnel are carrying out a number of roles in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including helping to build temporary hospitals, as well as the delivery of vital equipment to NHS staff. 

Cover image: General Sir Nick Carter speaking to Forces News in 2019.