2 days ago
Western democracies have a duty to resist growing Russian aggression
SIR – Beyond the finances not adding up, which appears to be a feature of all Labour policy, the other thing that struck me about the Strategic Defence Review (report, June 4) was its leisurely response to what it acknowledged to be a present and growing threat. Surely the best answer to Russian aggression towards Europe is to increase support to Ukraine now, giving it everything we can without restrictions on use, while properly ramping up full sanctions and other deterrent actions against Russia.
Russia is now weaker than it has been for some time, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Ukraine. We in Western Europe have a moral obligation to defend Ukraine and other nations from repeated Russian aggression. Hopefully, at the same time, we may ultimately help Russia towards a better future, and deter China from resorting to conflict.
Colonel Ronnie Bradford (retd)
Vienna, Austria
SIR – Your Leading Article (June 4) draws attention to the fact that the Prime Minister declined to set a firm date for when the defence budget would increase to 3 per cent of GDP.
This gives rise to two concerns. Will 3 per cent be enough, when Nato is poised to set a new target for members to spend 5 per cent? And, given the obvious urgency of the matter, why will this happen only in the next parliament?
Brigadier Rod Brummitt (retd)
Bournemouth, Dorset
SIR – I read your Leading Article (June 4) with incredulity. You write that 'Sir Keir dismissed calls to set specific spending targets as 'performative fantasy politics' '. When I served during the Cold War period, we mustered four armoured divisions – each of three brigades – in Germany, as well as substantial UK Land Forces and a Territorial Army of several thousand.
Now, as Lewis Page has written (Comment, June 1), the Army's sole war-fighting division, which is supposed to have three brigades, is actually a two-brigade force with enough equipment for just one.
As you say, 'If the deployments needed for the next two or three decades are to be met, then commitments have to be made now.'
As it is, what threat does the Government believe we can deter?
Lt Col Jeremy Moger (retd)
Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset
SIR – John Healey, the Defence Secretary, talks about a 10-year plan to get Britain ready for war (report, June 2), in the face of 'growing Russian aggression'. Does he really think that Vladimir Putin is going to wait that long? He added that the Strategic Defence Review would send a 'message to Moscow'. Mr Healey publicises his plans, while Putin hides his. It isn't hard to see who is likely to be the winner.
Mick Ferrie
Mawnan Smith, Cornwall
