In a recent interview, the newly appointed Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, made a significant mistake by confusing the Royal Air Force (RAF) with the Royal Navy.
During the interview, he incorrectly praised the UK’s aircraft carriers as “the largest the RAF has ever had,” when, in fact, the Royal Navy is responsible for the construction and operation of these carriers.
This confusion highlights a concerning lack of basic knowledge about the country’s military branches.
Lack of Knowledge on Army Ranks
Another notable misstep during Mr. Shapps’ media appearances was his inability to accurately state the number of ranks in the army, with the correct answer being 12.
This lack of fundamental knowledge about the military’s organizational structure raises questions about his readiness for the role of Defence Secretary.
Controversy Over TikTok Use
Grant Shapps also faced scrutiny regarding his continued use of TikTok, a Chinese-owned social media platform, despite security concerns.
While he claims not to have the app on his personal phone, he emphasized the importance of engaging with the public through the platform.
Mr. Shapps is known as one of the most active users of TikTok in Westminster, amassing nearly 15,000 followers.
Security Concerns Surrounding TikTok
TikTok was banned on government phones issued to ministers and Whitehall officials earlier due to security worries, prompted by fears of spying.
Although Mr. Shapps does not have TikTok on his personal phone and his account is managed by his staff, he has rejected calls from MPs to quit the app entirely since taking on the role of Defence Secretary.
Criticism and Calls to Abandon TikTok
Several senior Tory backbenchers, including former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, have urged Mr. Shapps to reconsider his use of TikTok, highlighting the security risks posed by the platform.
These concerns are particularly pertinent given Mr. Shapps’ high-profile government position and the potential attractiveness of his TikTok account to foreign intelligence services.
Future Implications
Tobias Ellwood, Chair of the House of Commons’ Defence Committee, predicted that Mr. Shapps might rethink his use of TikTok after receiving a comprehensive briefing at the Ministry of Defence.
This controversy raises questions about the balance between public engagement and national security in the digital age, and whether ministers should be active on platforms with potential security risks.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
Related posts:
Grant Shapps: From Controversy to Cabinet – The Journey of the UK’s New Defence Secretary In a mini-reshuffle led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the United Kingdom has witnessed a significant change in the role of Defence Secretary. Grant Shapps,...
Royal Navy and RAF Track Russian Vessels in Joint Operation as Putin’s Forces Enter British Waters Advertisements The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have disclosed their joint operation to track Russian vessels as they entered British waters, closely monitoring their...
Royal Navy and RAF Track Russian Vessels in Joint Operation as Putin’s Forces Enter British Waters The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have disclosed their joint operation to track Russian vessels as they entered British waters, closely monitoring their movements...
Grant Shapps Emphasizes Post-Brexit UK Immigration Policy Control Amid Predictions of Record-High Net Migration …By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media. Grant Shapps, a cabinet minister, has underscored the significance of the United Kingdom’s control over immigration policy following Brexit,...
Grant Shapps Emerges as Potential Replacement as Rishi Sunak Prepares Cabinet Shuffle Rishi Sunak is gearing up for a small-scale Cabinet reshuffle following Ben Wallace’s formal resignation as Defence Secretary. Wallace, whose departure had been announced last...
Retired Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill calls for traditional military focus, criticizes Navy’s use of drag queen ambassador …By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media. Retired Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, known for killing Osama bin Laden, criticized the U.S. military’s digital ambassador program, which...
Ministry of Defence to host inaugural gathering of International Defence Industry, Technology and Security Conference, in Abu Dhabi Ministry of Defence to host inaugural gathering of International Defence Industry, Technology and Security Conference, in Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI, 25th February, 2022 – Under...
Artificial Intelligence Used At Sea For First Time By The Royal Navy United Kingdom – For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is being used by the Royal Navy at sea as part of Exercise Formidable Shield,...
Royal Navy nuclear ‘bomber’ submarine spent over 6 months at the sea, setting new record in the longest patrol. Royal Navy’s Record-Breaking Submarine Patrol In a remarkable feat, a British Vanguard-class nuclear submarine has achieved the longest patrol in the history of the Royal...
Princess Kate’s Engaging Visit to Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton Princess Kate’s Visit to RNAS Yeovilton Princess Kate, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, had a captivating day as she explored the Royal Navy...