Philip Hammond’s massive Mali cock-up

Speaking in the House today Defence Secretary Philip Hammond was asked a question by Sir Peter Tapsell on Britain’s intervention in Mali, with particular regard to Mali being a Muslim country. In response, Hammond said:

“…Mali is a country with a majority Christian population, with a significant Muslim minority”.

Except he’s totally and utterly wrong – Muslims comprise 90% of the population of Mali (Sunni Islam to be specific). Only 5% of Malians are Christian.

Hammond also stated on more than one occasion the importance of ‘situational awareness’ of our troops (i.e. knowing what’s going on on-the-ground). Sadly, it seems that Hammond and the MOD are lacking “situational awareness” themselves…

It’s great to see that the government are suitably informed about countries that they’re sending hundreds of British military personnel into.

And what a remarkable week Mr Hammond is having…

More from LabourList

DONATE HERE

Do you value LabourList’s coverage? We need your support.

Our independent journalists have been on the ground during this local and by-election campaign, which marks the first key electoral test of Keir Starmer’s government. 

We’ve been out and about with Labour activists and candidates across the country from Bristol to Hull, and will soon be heading to Cambridgeshire and Lancashire – as well as Runcorn and Helsby. We’ve also polled readers for their views on the campaign.

LabourList relies on donations from readers like you to continue its fair, fast, reliable and well-informed news and analysis. We don’t have party funding or billionaire owners. 

If you value what we do, set up a regular donation today.

DONATE HERE