Andy Burnham just got told to prepare for war - if he's not listening we're in big trouble

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The impending sense of dread is only exacerbated by the rising threats on our very doorstep. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that Russian naval activity near the UK has…

The First Sea Lord issued a sobering message to top European officials — now the ball is in Labour’s court. Aboard HMS Prince of Wales in Oslo, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins’ message was clear and simple.

“Prepare for war if you want peace,” he told the International Sea Power Conference. This should be ringing through the ears of every mandarin and minister in the Treasury as yet more cash is pumped into welfare.

“We have set out our vision to rebuild the Royal Navy – now is the time for action,” the general said shortly after. Perhaps someone should tell our Government.

After all, plans for how defence spending will be hiked to 3% of GDP have been kicked down the road into next year’s spending review. Meanwhile, we are being told to prepare for war in 1,000 days and begin stockpiling essential goods.

You would be forgiven for thinking something doesn’t quite add up (it doesn’t). Gen Sir Gwyn’s comments underscored why there are calls for drastic action to revamp our forces.

The Navy, in particular, is of growing concern. The Senior Service is thought to be at its smallest in 500 years, hampered further by availability issues with the Trident-armed Vanguard-class submarines among those affected.

The impending sense of dread is only exacerbated by the rising threats on our very doorstep. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that Russian naval activity near the UK has skyrocketed by 41% this year.

Meanwhile, our frigate fleet continues to shrink with Type 23s HMS Iron Duke, Richmond and Chiddingfold all lowering their White Ensigns this year. The ‘good’ news is that help is on its way.

Gen Sir Gwyn said two new-generation Type 26 frigates are set to enter service within five years, with efforts underway to speed their arrival up. The Navy has also launched its first autonomous squadron to operate uncrewed vessels, while plans for three new mine-hunting motherships have been announced.

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