Ep 7. A Question of Loyalty

In Yes, Minister season 2 episode 7, titled "A Question of Loyalty," Jim Hacker, the newly appointed Minister of Administrative Affairs, faces a tough dilemma. He is given a file by his Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey, that contains sensitive information about a fellow Member of Parliament (MP) who may have ties to a foreign power. The file has been given to Sir Humphrey by the Security Service and they want the Minister to use it to discredit the MP and possibly remove him from office.

However, Hacker is hesitant to act on the information. He does not believe that mere suspicion is enough to destroy someone's reputation and career, and he is afraid of being seen as disloyal to his colleague. He seeks advice from his Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley, who tries to help him navigate the ethical issues involved in the situation.

The plot thickens when the MP in question comes to Hacker for help. He explains that he is being blackmailed and needs the Minister's assistance in finding out who is behind it. The MP also reveals that he has connections to a foreign power, but he claims that they are innocent and that he has been unfairly targeted.

Hacker is torn between his loyalty to his colleague and his duty to his country. On the one hand, he wants to do what is right and protect his country's security. On the other hand, he does not want to betray his friend and jeopardize his own political career.

As the episode unfolds, Hacker and Woolley try to find a way to resolve the situation without causing any harm. They consult with various experts, including the British Intelligence Service and the MP's solicitor, to try and gather more evidence and better understand the situation.

In the end, Hacker makes a decision that he believes is the right one. He takes a stand against Sir Humphrey and the Security Service, insisting that they cannot destroy someone's career based on mere suspicion. He also finds a way to protect the MP from blackmail without compromising national security.

Overall, "A Question of Loyalty" is a thought-provoking episode that explores the complex issues of ethics, loyalty, and national security that government officials face. It showcases the skills and strategic thinking of both Jim Hacker and Bernard Woolley, who work together to find a way to navigate a difficult situation without compromising their principles. The episode also raises important questions about the balance between individual rights and the greater good, and the role of the government in protecting its citizens.