Captured by the press

[ewx]

So what's so bad about these sailors and marines being allowed to sell their stories to the papers?

(i.e. as compared to just anyone being allowed to sell stories to papers; chequebook journalism may well be problematic in general but I don't see why it should be prohibited specifically to military personnel.)

Comments

[beingjdc.livejournal.com]

What's interesting is that there's a Minister voluntarily taking the blame for a decision that was made without consulting him (albeit by people who are answerable to him). It's a long time since that's happened, and it's a bit strange.

[ewx.livejournal.com]

When was the last time a defence minister went on to greater things? Not a rhetorical question, I really have no idea, but if it's not really on the cursus honorum then he may think he's got little to lose.</total speculation>

[beingjdc.livejournal.com]

Depends what you mean by 'greater things'. He's not getting any younger, but former defence Ministers include Michael Portillo, John Reid, Michael Heseltine and Denis Healey.