Andy Burnham, who is widely reported as being set to replace Keir Starmer on 20 July, confirms that Jonathan Powell will remain national security adviser in a future Burnham-led government. According to the reports, Burnham’s decision means Powell would continue to hold a senior position overseeing national security policy. The outlets also note that Burnham’s confirmation is being treated as politically significant in relation to the ongoing Chagos-related debate in UK policy. While the reports raise concerns that Burnham could revisit or promote a previous approach associated with a “Chagos surrender” characterization, they do not provide new, verifiable policy details within the cited material. Overall, the coverage focuses on Burnham’s personnel decision and its potential implications for national security direction and for the broader political discussion around the Chagos issue. The reports indicate that the change of leadership at the end of the current parliamentary period is imminent, and that continuity in national security staffing is part of Burnham’s stated plans.