New security adviser says UK should adopt a 'relaxed' attitude to terrorist groups

Jonathan Powell suggests tackling conflict via compromise

- DAVID MADDOX

Sir Keir Starmer’s new national security adviser wrote an article a year ago in which he recommended a “more relaxed attitude” to engaging with terrorist groups.

Jonathan Powell, who was Tony Blair’s chief of staff during the last Labour government, was appointed to the crucial role by Sir Keir after the prime minister ditched Rishi Sunak’s choice, vicechief of the defence staff General Gwyn Jenkins. Mr Powell comes to the role from negotiating the controversial handover of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, but also brings a great deal of experience to the job.