Unprepared? Outlook on UK Defence Readiness

On 4 February, the UK Parliament’s Defence Committee published a scathing report about the UK military’s lack of readiness for a major conflict. The report came amid public statements from the military and government that the UK was unprepared for war. On 24 January, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders advocated for preparatory steps to enable placing our societies on a war footing. Simultaneously, former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood told Sky News that the UK was ‘not prepared’ in its current state. Current Defence Minister Grant Shapps announced the world was moving from a ‘post war to pre-war era’. Consequently, the government and the British public have been left divided over the prospect of war with the feasibility of the UK being able to perform in an all at war convoluted. 

Key Judgement 1. It is likely that the UK military will face difficulties recruiting and retaining personnel over the next 12 months. 

Key Judgement 2. The UK is likely to invest primarily into their deterrence capabilities and alliances over the next 12 months to guarantee national security concerns. 

Key Judgement 3. British logistics and equipment procurement is likely to increase over the next 12 months as it replenishes outdated material.