Grant Shapps, previously Britain’s energy minister, took over the role of defence minister from Ben Wallace on Thursday. This move solidifies London’s support of Ukraine, although concerns arise over Shapps’ limited military experience.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s latest reshuffle showcases Claire Coutinho stepping in as the new energy minister, succeeding Shapps. As Britain readies for a national election anticipated for the coming year, and following Wallace’s resignation, Sunak might lean on Shapps’ aptitude for media relations to contest the opposition Labour’s budding lead in public sentiment.
Post his appointment’s announcement, Shapps voiced his enthusiasm on platform X, expressing his eagerness to collaborate with the “brave men and women” of the armed forces, further emphasizing the UK’s undeterred support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggressive advances.
Britain’s Stand for Ukraine
With Britain serving as a primary defence supplier to Ukraine, efforts are underway to amplify the production of military equipment, notably artillery shells. The aim remains twofold: to bolster Kyiv in resisting the Russian forces and to restock Britain’s arsenal. Moscow, however, criticizes Britain’s military aid to Ukraine, arguing it only elongates the ongoing conflict.
Read:Ben Wallace Resigns: The Changing Landscape of UK Defence Ministry
Shapps’ appointment raised eyebrows among some Conservative Party members, curious about his military expertise. Nevertheless, known for his meticulous approach to tasks and his recent visit to Kyiv, Shapps’ commitment to Ukraine’s cause seems unwavering. This dedication was evident during his visit to a kindergarten in Kyiv previously attended by a child from the refugee family he hosted.
A Man of Many Roles
This new position marks Shapps’ fifth ministerial role within a year, having previously overseen transport, interior affairs, business, and most recently, energy and net zero. He’s handed over the latter to Claire Coutinho, former children’s minister. Shapps humorously highlighted his position as the government’s “crisis communications” representative in a recent interaction with journalists, recalling the challenges he faced while addressing a COVID-19 breach by a former adviser.
Confirming his exit in a letter to Sunak, Wallace cautioned against treating defence as an optional expenditure. As a former British army captain who played a pivotal role in Britain’s response to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, Wallace expressed his intentions to resign after a four-year tenure, eyeing opportunities outside the parliamentary domain.
Last month at a NATO summit, Wallace emphasized the non-transactional nature of the partnership between London and Kyiv. On the other hand, Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, expressed gratitude for Wallace’s robust commitment, noting on platform X how Wallace’s leadership spurred other nations into rallying behind Ukraine.
