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Veterans In Politics PodcastAuthor: Jonny Ball
Veterans In Politics is a set of interviews that sets out to explore how the military community can help make our politics a better place. We sit down with individuals from across the world of politics, sharing secrets, giving tips and advice and inspiring the next generation. Veterans In Politics podcast's mission is to inspire, enable and empower the Armed Forces community to stand up and serve again! Language: en-gb Genres: News, Politics, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Lt Col (Retd) Derek Plews - The Former Dept PM's Press Secretary, on reservist advocacy, military comms, and telling the story of Afghanistan
Episode 5
Wednesday, 19 August, 2026
Send us Fan MailJonny Ball speaks with his former government colleague Derek Plews about a career that moved from journalism in Northern Ireland to reservist service, civil service communications, and senior defence media roles. The conversation explores how employer support shapes reservist life, why Defence Relationship Management was created, and why storytelling matters for veterans and the public record. Derek also discusses his book, Shamrock Among the Poppies, and the importance of preserving soldiers’ experiences in their own words.You can buy his book here: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/shamrocks-among-the-poppies-musa-qaleh-2006-a-bloody-siege-and-the-failures-behind-it.phpThe episode covers Derek’s time working with high-profile political figures including Michael Portillo, John Prescott, and Geoff Hoon, and what it is like to stay politically neutral while operating close to power. He reflects on the communications challenge around Afghanistan, especially the gap between official messaging and conditions on the ground in Helmand.Derek and Jonny discuss the growing influence of veterans in politics, including serving reservists and ex-servicemen bringing lived experience into Westminster. The conversation turns to the Armed Forces Covenant, employer recognition, and the practical case for industry to support reservists and cadet volunteers.Finally, Derek explains why he wrote Shamrock Among the Poppies: to tell the story of the siege of Musa Qala through the eyes of soldiers, NCOs, and junior ranks rather than just officers.He closes by stressing the importance of storytelling, mental health awareness, and preserving the historical record before memories are lost.Support the show✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk)Easy ways now are here:PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJREGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support
