Former MI6 Head Warns of UK's War Unpreparedness, Calls for Military Overhaul

The former head of MI6 has issued a stark warning regarding Britain's preparedness for potential conflicts. He believes the UK's military capabilities require urgent rebuilding, potentially including the reintroduction of national service.

Sir Alex Younger stated that the UK has significantly diminished its military and industrial infrastructure. This leaves the nation exposed to a growing array of global threats, particularly those emanating from Russia.

He emphasized the erosion of national resilience and collective effort within British society. He believes it is crucial for the country to actively reconnect its citizens with the concepts of defense and preparedness.

These comments arrive amidst rising anxieties across Europe regarding Vladimir Putin's objectives, the unpredictable nature of Donald Trump's foreign policy, and the increasing frequency of unconventional Russian attacks, such as cyber warfare and disinformation campaigns.

Sir Alex contrasted the UK's situation with countries like Finland, which have cultivated a strong culture of national readiness. He suggests that Britain has become overly cynical regarding the concepts of sacrifice and self-defense. He views the challenge as not solely military in nature, but also deeply cultural.