Politicians should prioritise defence as the world grows more dangerous

SIR – How good to see two politicians – Ben Wallace (Comment, February 29) and Penny Mordaunt (report, February 29) – talking about the Government’s “first duty” being to protect Britain.

These days, every conversation I have with family and friends eventually gets around to our worries – and, indeed, fears – about the prospect of conflict and the ability of our diminished Armed Forces to deal with it.

Mr Wallace is correct: this definitely should be a general election issue.

Grant Haworth

Farnham, Surrey

SIR – The Chancellor must take note of the concerns of Ben Wallace and Penny Mordaunt. Crossing fingers and hoping for the best is not a good option.

There are very long lead times in securing defence equipment, recruiting and training personnel, and if we are suddenly faced with a direct threat to our security, problems in these areas cannot be fixed at the drop of a hat. Increasing defence spending would also send a clear message to our enemies.

If the Conservatives will commit to a significant real-terms increase, I suggest that many disaffected Tory voters would return to the fold.

Finally, can we please have Penny Mordaunt as the next leader of the Conservative Party? She speaks more sense than many of her colleagues put together.

Peter Higgins

West Wickham, Kent

SIR – I totally agree with Ben Wallace that 3 per cent of GDP will be needed to prepare the Armed Forces for the challenge ahead.

I also sympathise with his frustration that the observations of people like me – the “armchair admirals” – may not always reflect the changing environment.

However, the underlying intent of almost all of the comment from the retired military community is to reinforce the profile on defence matters.

I am sure I speak for many of my fellow retired officers when I say how appreciative we were of Mr Wallace’s determination and leadership as defence secretary, in particular his role in supporting Ukraine and galvanising Nato.

Brigadier Rod Brummitt (retd)

Bournemouth, Dorset

SIR – Last week I received a pamphlet from a local gentleman who intends to stand for Parliament at the next election.

It encourages me to tick the boxes of the issues that concern me, such as the NHS, potholes and local hospitals, and to return it to him.

There is no box to tick concerning defence of the realm, so I conclude it is not a concern.

He is the Green Party candidate.

Gp Capt T Eeles (retd)

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk