Tribute to Sir John Nott
Southampton, May 1982: Troops of the Gurkha Rifles show then defence secretary John Nott (c) their kukris on board Falklands hospital ship, SS Uganda | Image by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
4 min read
Remembered for his steady hand as defence secretary during the Falklands war, daffodil farmer and former soldier Sir John Nott was an endlessly amusing friend and political misfit
John Nott, who has died at his Cornish home aged 92, did not fit in. He did not fit into whatever was deemed to be the strict Conservative party line. Although a senior member of Margaret Thatcher’s first two cabinets he didn’t really fit into the sort of togetherness which initially surrounds new cabinets. He did not fit into the famous line-up between ‘wets’ and ‘dries’, being a good deal drier on financial matters than most of the rest of us – even Nigel Lawson.
Least of all did he fit in with ideological know-alls expounding doctrine at length or rambling on about their achievements which had been unaccountably overlooked.
This made him an endlessly amusing colleague and companion in what was usually a very far from amusing ambiance, although it had its moments, and created round him a sort of cloak of detachment from the political goings-on and a cloak of authority when challenging whatever happened to be the prevailing view of the moment.
From early days at Cambridge where he met his remarkable Yugoslav wife (born in what is now Slovenia), Miloshka, he also carried extra authority by virtue of having already served for several years in the army, and not only served but fought in the Malayan emergency (a first-rate British military success story) with a Gurkha battalion. Coming later than most to student life, his experience and wit lifted him rapidly to be president of the Cambridge University Union.
In the book of fame his top achievement ought to have been listed as his very steady hand as defence secretary during the Falklands campaign and the speed and organisation of the British military response to General Galtieri’s ill-timed and ill-advised invasion.
He fought in the Malayan emergency (a first-rate British military success story) with a Gurkha battalion
But the media being what it is, or has become, it was the walk-out from his interview with Robin Day which has got the most coverage. Comment claimed that John lost his temper. But with John it was merely irritation at the loaded triviality of the questioning. Oddly this was uncharacteristic from the great Robin Day whose interviewing standards were exceptionally skilful and clever in getting the most out of officeholders by letting them talk – in contrast to the miserable interviewer interruption culture which has grown up nowadays and guarantees the minimum information for listeners from every exchange.
There was tut-tutting at the time of his walk-out from government PR advisers who felt nothing should ever be done to upset the all-powerful press interrogators. But John did not care tuppence, as his memoirs later on showed clearly.
He did care rather more about bellowing party and press critics – unfair but inevitable at such times – that he should somehow have seen the Falklands event coming, and he offered his resignation. But Mrs Thatcher, having already lost her foreign secretary, (Lord) Peter Carrington, was determined to keep him, at least until the Argentinians had been truly sent packing when he was finally released. Then at last he was free to return, Cincinnatus-like, to his Cornish home and his thriving daffodil business, as well to the chairmanship of Lazard Brothers, which he greatly enjoyed.
Why no peerage for someone who had served so well, been right so often and acted so honourably? Answer, he declined it at the time because he felt that it would not help in city financial circles. He may have changed his mind much later, when the Tories were back. But somehow it did not work out.
Pity, he would have lightened up Lords debates even on the darkest subjects. We were lucky to have him at the heart of government, even if only for a while.
He leaves behind a talented family and a wife of legendary vigour and determination. When I was serving as chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Miloshka used to ring almost every day to tell me forcefully how we were getting the whole Balkan situation wrong and should change course. So I do know.
Lord Howell of Guildford is a Conservative peer
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