British Army 'unable to protect UK' warns US general after military numbers slashed
The army has seen huge cuts in recent years, with Ben Wallace urging the Government to reconsider its position
Brian Lawless
A US general has claimed that the British Army is “unable” to protect the UK after military numbers continue to be slashed due to cuts.
The army has faced decades of cuts with money being sent to fund other services in the UK deemed more important.
But a senior US general has told the UK’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace that the cuts have resulted in a sharp decline in the country’s capability in war.
Rishi Sunak has been warned that he faces "disaster" if he does not spend more on the UK military.
Oli Scarff
A former military commander warned the Government that they are “sleep-walking into disaster” unless defence spending is urgently increased.
Lord West of Spithead said: “I find it extraordinary that as almost every other country has raised defence spending, some by huge amounts as the war in Ukraine has progressed, that the UK has not. How much risk are we willing to take?
“It’s all very well providing Ukraine with equipment and it’s absolutely right we should do and if necessary provide even more, but I think we must make sure our forces are ready and fully equipped for a possible war.”
His opinion was mirrored by a defence source who said: "Bottom line... it's an entire service unable to protect the UK and our allies for a decade."
They also urged the UK to do more in Ukraine, warning that Rishi Sunak could face sharp criticism if he did not take decisive action against Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
"We have a wartime prime minister and a wartime chancellor," one source told Sky News.
"History will look back at the choices they make in the coming weeks as fundamental to whether this government genuinely believes that its primary duty is the defence of the realm or whether that is just a slogan to be given lip service."
Boris Johnson was hugely popular with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his time as Prime Minister.
The former PM made a surprise visit to the country earlier this month.
Concerns were raised that it could undermine the current Prime Minister.
But Sunak’s press secretary saying he is “always supportive of all colleagues showing that the UK is behind Ukraine and will continue to support them”.
Boris Johnson was invited to Ukraine by Zelenskyy earlier this month.
Peter Nicholls