This is likely to be the most complex and difficult peace mission of modern times, I have been told, privately, by one of the UK’s most successful commanders in three recent wars. The mission is doubly dangerous because a European peace force will be up against Russia, which has nuclear weapons and is prepared to deploy them.
A European force would be led by France and Britain – the two European nuclear powers. It would have to be a coalition of the willing, a cliché not deployed so far by the armchair strategists. It should work to UN practice – though a bid to get a UN mandate would likely be vetoed out of sight by Moscow and Beijing.
Unveiling this major overhaul of the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Staff – the biggest since the MoD was launched in 1957 – John Healey, the defence secretary, this week said he was confident that the UK’s forces could play a major role in Eastern Europe. The task was vital for the security of Britain and the democratic world.
Similar blocs of forces could be deployed by France, the Nordic countries, and the East Europeans. It is likely that Germany would also deploy a large brigade, once the dust has settled from the upcoming election and the pro-Russian catcalls from the hard right and hard left have faded.
The consequences of Trump and Putin's phone call will reverberate for years to come
Read MoreThe latest chapter in the Ukraine crisis, galvanised by Donald Trump’s grapeshot diplomacy – based on the dubious ploy of hug the enemy, insult the friend – has put UK defence, its funding and reform, centre stage in British politics. The Armed Forces, and the whole procurement process, are in need of reform after a decade and more of neglect. The Government’s election manifesto promise of an uplift of funding from 2.3 to 2.5 per cent of GDP had become something of irredeemable promissory note. Rachel Reeves’s Treasury had said that the target couldn’t be met before 2030 – at the earliest.
The main work of the defence report was due to be signed off by its three directors, Lord Robertson, General Richard Barrons, and Dr Fiona Hill, on St Valentine’s Day – last Friday. The proposals are now due “to be shuffled in shoals of paperwork across Whitehall”, according to one defence chief.
Beyond the debate about money and munitions, there is little mention of the most critical element – personnel and recruiting. Britain, like many major allies, America included, faces a recruiting crisis.
In a generation or two, there could be no question about UK peace missions in Europe, or anywhere else. There just won’t be the manpower and womanpower available.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( One crucial aspect of Starmer’s peace-keeping mission is being overlooked )
Also on site :