STAND-IN leader Dominic Raab can’t launch any military action unless he gets the National Security Council’s permission, it has emerged.
The First Secretary of State’s powers are much more limited than Boris Johnson’s under emergency protocols while he is incapacitated battling coronavirus.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
They were swiftly dusted down on Monday and put into action when the Prime Minister was rushed into intensive care.
Under the rules, Mr Raab must consult senior Cabinet ministers and intelligence chiefs who sit on the NSC before any new operations are launched.
And any new conflict would have to be signed off by a meeting of the full Cabinet.
The only Cabinet minister who has authority to allow the use of lethal force is the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
A senior government figure told The Sun: “It’s important to note that Raab has not been appointed as ‘acting PM’, he is just deputising where appropriate.
“In practice, he is heavily constrained. He needs collective responsibility on pretty anything substantial.”
‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’
Ministers today refused to discuss who had taken charge of Britain’s nuclear arsenal in Mr Johnson’s absence – a job known as the ‘nuclear deputy’.
But No10 confirmed that the ‘letters of last resort’ that Boris wrote to the nuclear submarine commanders remained in place and will not be changed.
The PM’s official spokesman insisted: “The letters are not changing. The Prime Minister remains the Prime Minister”.
The spokesman added: “In relation to national security matters, the First Secretary and the Cabinet have the authority in the PM’s absence.
“Decisions are taken by Cabinet on the basis of collective decision making, but the First Secretary would chair that meeting.
“We have an existing and robust national security infrastructure and that will continue to function.”
The Chief of the Defence Staff also today insisted it is “business as usual”.
General Sir Nick Carter said he believed there is a “very clear” chain of command and operations will continue without disruption.
Tory Defence Committee chair Tobias Ellwood said: “It is important to have 100% clarity as to where responsibility for UK national security decisions now lies.
“We must anticipate adversaries attempting to exploit any perceived weakness.”
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
Dominic Raab delivers daily statement during coronavirus crisis
