SIR – In the 1920s and 1930s, Winston Churchill was almost a lone voice in telling anyone who would listen that we had to gear up our military capabilities. There was an uplift in expenditure during the period but it was woefully inadequate. Ultimately the United States came to our aid with lend-lease, but such aid is unlikely to be forthcoming today.
Increasing Britain’s military expenditure (“Starmer will cut foreign aid to boost defence spending by 2027”, telegraph.co.uk, February 25) is perhaps the easy part. The challenge is where and how to spend the money, and the timescale from ordering and/or manufacturing military equipment and ordnance to delivery. This is likely to take years, not months. Recruiting personnel will also be a medium-term rather than short-term challenge.
Given that Ukraine needs immediate and significant ongoing support, the risk is that we are already out of time.
Colin Marks
Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire
SIR – In staff appointments during the latter stages of my 32-year RAF career, I bought into the orthodoxy of the time, which stated that a separate European defence structure – championed by France – would not only duplicate Nato and America’s lead role within it, but also undermine it. However, I accept that it is time for a change.
Nothing says more about the new world order than the United States siding with Russia, North Korea and similar allies in the United Nations (report, February 25).
Britain must now join and take a leading role in any emerging European defence initiatives.
Gp Capt R J A Powell RAF (retd)
Barry, Glamorgan
SIR – The decision by the US to side with Russia, China and North Korea against a UN motion condemning the invasion of Ukraine must be the most shameful moment in the history of American diplomacy. Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House the US has lost its moral compass in double quick time.
Roger White
Sherborne, Dorset
SIR – It seems we have slipped into the false belief that alliances are based on shared values rather than common interests. The US president favours the latter.
Our leaders must review what interests we share with the US and other allies if we are to benefit from their goodwill.
Dr Andy Ashworth
Bo’ness, West Lothian
SIR – It is reported that, on his return to the Oval Office, President Trump reinstated a bust of Winston Churchill.
Given that Mr Trump has now sided with an aggressor who invaded a neighbour, I find his supposed admiration of Churchill offensive.
Brian Hooper
Tiverton, Devon
SIR – In the 1920s and 1930s, Winston Churchill was almost a lone voice in telling anyone who would listen that we had to gear up our military capabilities. There was an uplift in expenditure during the period but it was woefully inadequate. Ultimately the United States came to our aid with lend-lease, but such aid is unlikely to be forthcoming today.
Increasing Britain’s military expenditure (“Starmer will cut foreign aid to boost defence spending by 2027”, telegraph.co.uk, February 25) is perhaps the easy part. The challenge is where and how to spend the money, and the timescale from ordering and/or manufacturing military equipment and ordnance to delivery. This is likely to take years, not months. Recruiting personnel will also be a medium-term rather than short-term challenge.
Given that Ukraine needs immediate and significant ongoing support, the risk is that we are already out of time.
Colin Marks
Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire
SIR – In staff appointments during the latter stages of my 32-year RAF career, I bought into the orthodoxy of the time, which stated that a separate European defence structure – championed by France – would not only duplicate Nato and America’s lead role within it, but also undermine it. However, I accept that it is time for a change.
Nothing says more about the new world order than the United States siding with Russia, North Korea and similar allies in the United Nations (report, February 25).
Britain must now join and take a leading role in any emerging European defence initiatives.
Gp Capt R J A Powell RAF (retd)
Barry, Glamorgan
SIR – The decision by the US to side with Russia, China and North Korea against a UN motion condemning the invasion of Ukraine must be the most shameful moment in the history of American diplomacy. Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House the US has lost its moral compass in double quick time.
Roger White
Sherborne, Dorset
SIR – It seems we have slipped into the false belief that alliances are based on shared values rather than common interests. The US president favours the latter.
Our leaders must review what interests we share with the US and other allies if we are to benefit from their goodwill.
Dr Andy Ashworth
Bo’ness, West Lothian
SIR – It is reported that, on his return to the Oval Office, President Trump reinstated a bust of Winston Churchill.
Given that Mr Trump has now sided with an aggressor who invaded a neighbour, I find his supposed admiration of Churchill offensive.
Brian Hooper
Tiverton, Devon