West must begin to take Russian threat seriously

WHEN is the world finally going to sit up and take note? It has been patently obvious for some time now that Russia is representing an increased threat to the West and yet instead of increasing defence spending, we have done exactly the opposite. Vladimir Putin must be watching in disbelief.

But it is about time we started to take this seriously. The fact that the West did not want a resurgence of the Cold War did not, alas, prevent that very thing from happening. And we must take some responsibility for it. When the Iron Curtain came down, it was unwise to rub Russia’s nose in it. Regaining its place in the global hierarchy is clearly a matter of Russian national pride.

And that being the case we must act. Our Defence Secretary has warned that Britain is on red alert. He is also now openly telling the Chancellor of the Exchequer to start writing a few cheques. That is good advice and it should be taken seriously.

The Russian president is a bully and as everyone knows the only way to take on a bully is to stand up to him. We have been remarkably reticent on that front so far.

And this country in particular needs to take action. It is only a few months since the Russian establishment tried to assassinate one of its dissenters on British soil. The Prime Minister’s response was immediate and effective. Now the Defence Secretary too must be allowed his stand.