Admiral Lord West is the former UK Minister of Security and First Sea Lord. As Security Minister, West produced the UK’s first ever National Security Strategy and Cyber Security Strategy as well as formulating a series of other strategies such as the counter-terrorism policy; science and technology for countering... Read more
Admiral Lord West is the former UK Minister of Security and First Sea Lord.
As Security Minister, West produced the UK’s first ever National Security Strategy and Cyber Security Strategy as well as formulating a series of other strategies such as the counter-terrorism policy; science and technology for countering international terrorism and guidance for local government in enhancing the security of crowded places. He also put in place the basic construct for Olympic security for the London 2012 Olympics.
Earlier in his career, he held several appointments in the Ministry of Defence in the Plans, Programmes and Policy areas plus three years as head of Naval Intelligence and three years as Chief of Defence Intelligence covering the Kosovo War. He was promoted to Admiral in 2000 when he became Commander-in-Chief Fleet, NATO Commander-in-Chief East Atlantic and NATO Commander Allied Naval Forces North.
West became First Sea Lord in 2002. He inspired and organised the Trafalgar Bicentennial Year and led the Navy during its crucial and successful role in the initial invasion of Iraq. He retired as First Sea Lord in 2006 becoming Chairman of the QinetiQ Advisory Board.