Downing Street sources and formal communications between the Baroness and the Prime Minister suggest that David Cameron knew of her plans earlier this year, with the Baroness stating that the local elections would be an opportune time to move on at her own request.
The 70-year-old former high-flying career diplomat from the Foreign Office had chaired the Cabinet’s Joint Intelligence Committee at one stage, and even though she’s leaving this particular security role there’s a new appointment on the horizon.
Following discussions with the Prime Minister, Baroness Neville-Jones now takes on the role of special representative to business on the vitally important subject of cyber crime.
Home Secretary Theresa May has already announced that Lady Browning, who served in John Major’s Government as a junior agriculture minister, is now appointed as Home Office minister in the Lords to replace the Baroness.
As yet there is no word on whether or not the Home Secretary is to appoint anyone to fill the role of security and counter-terrorism minister.
Of Baroness Neville-Jones’ departure from Cabinet, Theresa May said: “I would like to thank Baroness Neville-Jones for her hard work, both in opposition and in Government, and for contributing to the rebalancing of security and liberty as well as participating in the work of the National Security Council.”
Concept of national security realised
In a letter to the Prime Minister reproduced on the Number 10 website, Baroness Neville-Jones said: “I look back on my time in the coalition with some satisfaction. It has been a particular pleasure to see the concept of national security as we conceived it reflected in the National Security Strategy, and to have participated in the work of the National Security Council which has quickly established itself as an important part of the machinery of Government.”
The Baroness continued: “I have also been able to contribute to the essential rebalancing of security and liberty in the review of counter-terrorism powers, and to the redirection of the Prevent strategy which is nearing completion.”
In conclusion, Baroness Neville-Jones told the Prime Minister: “Cyber security is now established as a frontline priority for the Government and, indeed, for the country as a whole. Serious work is in hand on developing a long-term strategy. You can count on me to continue to give the Government, the Conservative Party and your leadership strong support, and I stand ready to take on assignments from you in the near future.”
Original planning for the National Security Council
Responding to the resignation letter, David Cameron thanked the Baroness for her service as minister for security and counter-terrorism across the coalition Government’s first year in office, and also for the years in the run-up to the last General Election in which the Baroness advised on many central policies which have since been drawn up and actioned.
The Prime Minister’s own letter in response to the Baroness’ prior communication said: “You can be very proud of the part you have played, and the impact you’ve made. You drew up the original plans for the National Security Council and the National Security Strategy which underpins its work.”
In addition, Cameron stressed: “You have helped to ensure that security and liberty are more appropriately balanced, and dramatically strengthened the Government’s strategy to prevent young minds from being poisoned and radicalised.”
Baroness Neville-Jones stands down at what is a crucial time for national security, wherein a constitutional battle for police independence continues to rage and the future for regulation in the private security sector – and what it will look like going forwards – has still to be ironed out.
For all the latest news on the coalition Government’s activities in the security and policing realms access the No10 website (a dedicated link is provided at the bottom of this page.)