Battle-ready Britons

Sir – I disagree with Isabel Oakeshott (“Britain will lose the next world war. It’s too woke to fight”, Comment, January 26).

I believe that, if the country faces an existential threat, the overwhelming majority will stand firm to defend our democracy and freedom, and put our petty differences to one side. This was shown to be the case in both world wars in the 20th century. The present recruitment crisis does, however, need to be addressed quickly.

Melvyn Holmes

Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Sir – Isabel Oakeshott questions whether immigrants or members of Gen Z would willingly take up arms if war broke out.

Should we really doubt that those who have given up so much – and in some cases risked their lives – to start anew in Britain might hesitate to defend the country that has welcomed them, and which they now call home? But why should it take their participation in a war to demonstrate their allegiance and belonging?

As for Gen Z, it would be a shame to mistake our attitude towards this country’s complicated colonial past for a resentment towards it, or indifference to its fate if war did arise. To interrogate history and avoid the mistakes of our past is to show loyalty to our country, not the opposite.

Harry Rogers

London SW11

Sir – My dad used to say that the Royal Marines saved his life. As a teenager, he found himself with nowhere to live, so he signed up.

National Service would give youngsters an insight into career opportunities within the Armed Forces, and would make it easier for the Armed Forces to approach and select recruits. Cadets would be involved in teamwork, learn about the importance of time-keeping and taking pride in their appearance, and acquire life skills. It would remove many from difficult situations at home. Discipline is needed to stop some teenagers going off the rails.

(My dad’s shoe-polishing was admirable, too.) Jacky Staff

Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh

Sir – Our granddaughter, like Matt Bayliss-Binks’s daughter (Letters, January 26), tried to join the RAF using its online portal.

She is well-educated and very keen, but spending seven hours shut in the dining room in front of a laptop was exhausting. She was failed for supposedly not concentrating.

It beggars belief. Are there no interviewers anymore? C Warmington Abingdon, Oxfordshire