It’s all right, folks, we’re not at war with Russia in 2017

FEARS that Russia and Nato are on a collision course for war next year have been dismissed by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.

Giving evidence to the Commons Defence Committee, Sir Michael (below) insisted that a hot conflict with Moscow was not likely in 2017.

Pressed about warnings by former Nato deputy allied commander in Europe, General Sir Richard Shirreff, that the plot of his novel 2017 War With Russia was plausible, Sir Michael said that was an extreme view.

He said: “There are a lot of people writing books and trying to sell them, and his is a very good one.

“However, I don’t agree that war with Russia is likely next year. I think that is too extreme.

“We have seen much greater Russian aggression this year, and in previous years, in terms of long-range aviation, in terms of submarine activity, and the carrier task group that sailed through our waters, the role of Russia in Syria, and elsewhere.

“But I don’t think that presages an open conflict next year.

“Nato is waking up to the challenge.”

The Defence Secretary insisted the decision to send 800 British troops to Estonia next year was intended to create an “earlier tripwire” and act as a deterrent against possible AFTER a frosty start, Wednesday will be fine with plenty of sunshine. Colder with rain moving in over eastern coasts, and cloud in the north-west later. Highs of xxC in London, xxC in Cardiff, xxC in Manchester, xxC in Belfast and xxC in Edinburgh. Fine in the south on Thursday, turning wetter and windier elsewhere, in all areas on Friday.

Highs of 12C in London, 11C in Cardiff, 9C in Manchester, 9C in Belfast and 8C in Edinburgh.

OUTLOOK: Cold & wet.