The UK faces the most dangerous geopolitical situation since the end of the Cold War. In fact, some believe that a global proxy war has already begun, pitting the West against China, Russia, and authoritarian states led by Islamic theocracies. But an alarming new report from the House Defense Committee released today suggests we are unprepared for the crisis ahead. As threats converge across multiple theaters, you must take urgent action to deter the enemy and ensure your forces can act if the worst happens.
Some analysts believe that the NATO alliance itself could face a direct attack from Russia within as early as three years, and that Britain needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with other member states. But the National Defense Committee’s report makes clear that our military is already dangerously oversized, and its readiness for long, intense combat is questionable.
Our military personnel continue to make our nation proud by working heroically to meet various operational demands around the world. However, a lack of prioritization in the face of so many demands is creating unsustainable pressures. Unbearable demands on those willing to take risks to protect our freedoms are currently having a negative impact on recruitment and retention. Currently, eight out of every five recruits leave the military. This is unsustainable and reflects a terrible dereliction of duty to the brave souls who stand up to serve our country. A smug awakening won’t help either.
Equally problematic is the lack of adequate resources to maintain military stockpiles and the absence of detailed plans for expanding military production in the event of war. It is our nation’s honor to help defend Ukraine against President Putin’s aggression, but we cannot leave that commitment unprepared. However, pressures on the MoD budget are so great that the £1.95bn intended to rebuild arms stocks could instead be used to cover shortfalls in defense spending.
This crisis could not come at a worse time for public finances, which are under strain on all fronts. UK taxpayers, already burdened with catastrophically high taxes, need relief from the Treasury’s demands, not an even higher bill. Therefore, in addition to increasing defense spending, we need to improve productivity and procurement, and reduce spending on the welfare state. It is hard to imagine that Labor could achieve such a fundamental shift.
I am disappointed to learn that the Ministry of Defense has become more secretive over the past decade. The report said: “Public and parliamentary scrutiny and debate about the readiness of the UK military currently relies on media coverage and hallway conversations.”
The newspaper is happy to play its part, but proper access to official information will be essential if the UK is to further fulfill its responsibilities in an increasingly dangerous world.
The challenges ahead are large and urgent.