Britain’s defence strategy should be based on the threats the nation faces, not perverse political totemsIt isn’t just military planners who seem happier refighting the last war. Politicians are too. David Cameron chooses to stay tactically quiet about defence because he was humbled by losing the Syria vote in 2013. But Ed Miliband, who won that vote, is just as cautious. Labour remains haunted by its own defence ghosts, many dating back to the unilateralist 1980s.Few would go so far as to claim that defence is the paramount question facing Britain in the coming general election. Yet few would deny it is now genuinely one of the most important. This will be the first election since the 1980s in which defence may – and should – occupy a significant part of the political debate. But it is also in danger of being sidetracked. Related: What the armed forces can expect from the defence review Greece is one of four Nato members meeting the target, but only because its GDP has collapsed by a quarter Continue reading...
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