Typical Jonathan Powell behaviour is reported in the FT this morning – this time how the Chagos giveaway architect tried and failed to open a secret back channel to Putin. Starmer’s National Security Adviser took the unusual step of calling Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov…
Despite the ice cold climate in UK-Russia relations (there is little contact except at the Embassy level) and extensive sanctions on the Kremlin, Powell believed he could open a new communication channel on his own. The paper reports:
“…the phone call between Powell and Ushakov proved to be a one-off and failed to open up a new line into Putin’s inner circle, according to the people briefed on the matter, with one saying it “did not go well”.
As Guido has reported, things are going a little better for Powell in Syria, where the consultancy firm he founded is deeply embedded in the government. Moscow next?
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”