Mark Sedwill

My article in The Independent. We need armed forces designed for Global Britain as well as NATO First. That means expeditionary forces operating worldwide but ready to fight in Europe if deterrence fails. But right now we need to sort out the erosion of our existing force an avoid the embarrassment of taking over a week with heroic efforts by the Navy to get one serviceable destroyer en route to the Med. Political commitments must become delivery programmes. Now. Fast. independent.co.uk/voices/uk-arme…

Does the UK pay a price for the delay in military deployment amid the war in the Middle East? Former National Security Adviser Lord Sedwill says yes, and that 'there will be consequences' including frustration from the US and allies in the Gulf.

Trump’s Iran war aims are far from clear – but the UK cannot afford to use international law as an alibi ✍️ Lord Sedwill politicshome.com/opinion/articl…

@AmbJohnBolton Interesting piece from my friend, Trump critic and arch neo-con John Bolton. The key question is whether the Trump Admin has a real “day after” plan or whether this is “hit and hope”.

Washington’s objective of eliminating threats from the ayatollahs, the IRGC, and Iran’s nuclear-weapons program is proper and justifiable. telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2026/0…

As voting closes later today for the next Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, it is truly an honour to be considered for the role. The University is entering a demanding decade. Funding pressures are real. Global competition is intense. Technology and AI are reshaping teaching and research. Academic freedom requires steady defence in a noisier public climate. The Chancellor does not run the University. But the ambassadorial role matters to strengthen alumni bonds across generations, support fundraising and partnerships, represent St Andrews credibly at home and overseas, and work with counterparts in other leading universities to protect and promote academic freedom and freedom of speech. St Andrews transformed my life. I want future generations to have the same experience and opportunities. I have really enjoyed the engagement with alumni, students and academic colleagues during my campaign. If I’m asked to serve as Chancellor, you can count on that same energy and commitment.

Congratulations to ⁦@AntoniaRomeoUK⁩. CabSec #15. She will bring dynamism, confidence and a reform agenda to the public service. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

As voting opens today for the next Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, it is truly an honour to be considered for this role. St Andrews transformed my life. I arrived here as a state-educated, first-in-family student and found a place of demanding teaching, strong values, broad horizons and a close community. It gave me confidence and judgement that shaped everything that followed. I am standing because I believe the University is entering a demanding decade. Funding pressures are real. Global competition is intense. Technology and AI are reshaping how we teach and learn. Academic freedom and serious scholarship require active defence in a noisier public climate. The Chancellor doesn’t run the University. That responsibility rightly rests with the Principal and her team. But the Chancellor can make a difference by representing St Andrews credibly at home and overseas, strengthening alumni bonds across generations, supporting long-term fundraising and partnerships, and being a clear public voice for academic freedom and freedom of speech. It’s also, I realise, the first time I have stood for election since becoming President of the St Andrews Athletic Union all those years ago. And I‘ve enjoyed every moment of the opportunity to engage across the St Andrews community. I am deeply honoured by the support and encouragement from alumni, students and academic colleagues. Voting runs from today until Sunday. If you registered to vote, please do take part. I hope I have earned your vote. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me. If asked to serve, I will do so with energy, enthusiasm and commitment.

3 priorities for St Andrews. #EverToExcel

Grateful to @thetimes for the opportunity to set out why universities, especially St Andrews, are a strategic national asset 👇 thetimes.com/article/06b04e…

St Andrews transformed my life. If I can help ensure future generations of students have the same opportunity as I did, I offer my service. #EverToExcel

Thank you for your support, James. Your family has been associated with the University for generations and your own commitment remains steadfast. Honoured to have your endorsement.

Honoured and touched by the messages of support, especially from students (even though they aren’t eligible to vote in this election) who told me how much they care about the University and its future, the challenges and opportunities ahead, the connection to older generations of alumni and their expectations of the next Chancellor.

5 things you might not know about my life and connection to St Andrews #evertoexcel #standrews

Spent time with students in St Andrews this week. Their concerns are quite different from mine in the 80s. Career prospects, AI changing work and learning, cost of living, climate and wider instability. But there’s still a strong drive to succeed. If asked to serve as Chancellor, I’ll back high quality learning and support students into the wider world.

One of St Andrews’ great strengths is our alumni community. If elected Chancellor, one of my priorities would be to strengthen alumni engagement across the generations and with the University. St Andrews should feel like home for life.

Norway last week with the UK Commando Force. The High North is vital to UK national security, as are the sea lanes and undersea cables linking Europe and North America. I first joined the Royal Marines Reserve as a St Andrews student. Grateful to all who serve.

This is a MUST watch #Panorama - @BBCSteveR the bravest journalist around bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episod…

@andywigmore Thanks so much. I really appreciate the support.

@marksedwill Good luck Mark you’ll be brilliant for StAndrews

Academic freedom is vital to a peaceful and prosperous society. I’ve seen what happens in countries that do not protect it. If asked to serve as Chancellor, I’ll stand up for St Andrews’ right to free enquiry, rigorous scholarship, and open debate both at home and overseas.

In St Andrews today ahead of the Foreign Affairs Society lecture this evening. I’ll also be meeting staff and students, listening carefully to what colleagues across the University think matters most in the decade ahead. #EverToExcel