Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, emphasized the need for the UK to enhance its military readiness, including offering incentives to boost military recruitment. He suggested that Europe should start thinking in terms of being at war, as conflict has come to the continent. While Dearlove did not foresee the Ukraine-Russia war escalating into a wider conflict across Europe, he stressed the importance of investing in NATO’s military capabilities. He noted a reluctance among European nations to prepare themselves psychologically and materially to support Ukraine.
Additionally, Dearlove highlighted the insufficient preparedness of the UK for war, citing a depletion of armed forces. He expressed concerns about the state of the navy, the number of capital ships, and the size of the army. Dearlove proposed creating incentives for recruitment, such as a four-year income tax break for those who join the army for two years. The Commons Defence Committee recently warned that the UK must address recruitment issues and stockpile shortages to be truly ready for conflict.
In assessing the war in Ukraine, Dearlove indicated that there is no imminent risk of NATO being dragged into the conflict. He labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats as sabre rattling and emphasized NATO’s deterrent capabilities. While Russia is currently viewed as the greatest threat to the UK, Dearlove identified Communist China as the second most significant threat due to its ambitions for world domination.
Regarding military exercises, the UK’s 7 Light Mechanised Brigade participated in NATO’s largest European exercise, Steadfast Defender, in Poland. This exercise, involving approximately 90,000 troops from NATO allies and partner Sweden, showcases military unity and readiness across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains. Dearlove’s comments underscore the need for Europe, including the UK, to bolster its military capabilities and readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.