Recent years have seen the Media become increasingly over-sentimental when they cover traumatic events, but I felt the King’s respectful participation in the historic Remembrance Ceremony today minimised any mawkishness. The magnificent march-past, wonderfully orchestrated by the Royal British Legion, was inclusive, respectful and cathartic. The large number of groups involved and the long length of time for them to pass the Cenotaph demonstrated clearly how important the Armed Forces are to the British public.
Sadly, this deep public support has not been translated into a robust Defence capability in 2024. This morning, the forlorn Chief of Defence pleaded for more money, but the ensuing arguments about 2.5% of GDP missed the point completely. Our Combat Arms need a complete reboot to replace the tanks and infantry fighting vehicles that came into service in the previous Millennium and what good is 2.5% when we cannot put an armoured division into the field and our adversary is spending 40%?
This week’s US Election result has put UK Defence Spending back on the Agenda. Hopefully, the Government will heed the warnings and fulfil their primary responsibility to the country by ensuring the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have sufficient personnel and that the Defence Review they are currently producing is focused on the Front Line, not the Bottom Line.
Lutyens Cenotaph Since 1920
Rupert Wieloch 