Vladimir Putin’s threats cannot be ignored, we must prepare for war - Yorkshire Post Letters
From: Lester May, Camden Town, London.
The head of Nato has warned that the UK and allies must prepare for war and, with a criminal at the helm of the largest country in the world, Putin’s threats cannot be ignored. Si vis pacem, para bellum – we must. Putin preys on the weak and Nato, particularly Europe, is nowhere near ready to deter Russia.
The UK must bring up to standard those ships, aircraft and land forces’ equipment we have today. Action must be taken to improve recruitment and, particularly, the retention of service personnel. Smart use of cyber and development of drones is a priority. Much more investment in new equipment is urgently required.
The Ministry of Defence must be organised more efficiently, both financially and operationally. Defence is now far too expensive for any European nation to do everything.
Maritime Britain must be the UK priority (trade, British interests worldwide, protection of home waters and the Eastern Atlantic) while other European nations are better suited to provide most of Nato’s land and air forces.
Unsentimental reorganisation of defence is essential. It is fortunate that the present heads of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines have led UK Special Forces, noting the present Chief of Defence Staff, and his Vice Chief are, arguably, Whitehall warriors.