Threat from Russia still just as great

IT is now over six months since Russia invaded Ukraine. During that time, thousands have died, residential and commercial property has been destroyed, jobs have been eradicated, infrastructure has been damaged on a vast scale, war crimes have been committed and the security of the whole of Europe has been placed at risk.

Here in the UK, although there has been talk of an increase in defence spending, no commitments have been made. Furthermore, no new equipment (ships, aircraft or tanks) has been ordered. In fact, our stocks of ammunition have been depleted in order to re-arm the Ukraine military. As a result, we are now weaker than we were on February

24.

Even more alarming is that the Government has decided there is no need to update or change the Integrated Defence Review published in March 2021. It is as if nothing has altered the political landscape. The Government’s complacency is alarming. Indeed, the threat from Russia is now officially regarded as little different from what was perceived 18 months ago.

Of course, it takes years for sophisticated military equipment, particularly ships and submarines, to be brought into service.

However, looking at the present depleted state of the Navy, it would be a very short-sighted politician to conclude that what we have is what we will need in any confrontation with Vladimir Putin, despite the contribution from the remaining 29 members of Nato.

The Navy’s frontline is now 28 warships, namely two carriers, two amphibious ships, six destroyers, 12 frigates and six fleet submarines, of which at least a third will be undergoing refit, maintenance or repair at any time.

With a coastline of 19,600 miles, with 14 dependent territories, commitments to Nato, worldwide interests stretching to the Pacific and a dependency on energy and food imports, we need a much bigger Navy, just as the Commons Defence Committee demanded in a report dating from late last year. And, of course, we are still the predominant naval power in Western Europe.

We are hearing nothing from Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss about the parlous state of our defences.

It is time for politicians to take action in these increasingly dangerous times.

Chris Cope Kings Nympton, Devon