London – Gen. Patrick Sanders, the head of the British army, urged U.K. civilians to be prepared for participation in a hypothetical land war, citing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine to emphasize the role of “citizen armies” in conflicts. Sanders pointed out that the British military’s current size is insufficient to address emerging threats in a rapidly changing world. “Taking steps to prepare our societies for wartime readiness is no longer just an option, but a necessity,” Sanders stated in a speech. He also noted the proactive measures taken by Eastern and Northern European countries in laying the groundwork for national mobilization in response to the perceived Russian threat.
The British army currently comprises approximately 75,000 fully trained professional soldiers, with an additional 60,000 service members in the navy and air force.
Gen. Patrick Sanders addressing a ceremony at Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial in Canakkale, Turkey, on April 24, 2023.
Mustafa Yilmaz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The U.K. currently allocates around 2% of its gross domestic product to military spending. Despite the government’s commitment to increase this to 2.5%, Sanders, a long-standing advocate for higher military expenditure, insisted that the army should expand to a standing force of approximately 120,000 soldiers by 2027, stressing that even this would not be adequate.
“The situation in Ukraine starkly demonstrates that regular armies initiate wars, while citizen armies determine their outcome,” Sanders emphasized. In response to his and other senior defense officials’ statements, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office at 10 Downing Street dismissed the possibility of military conscription. Other top defense figures in the U.K. have also expressed concerns about escalating international threats, particularly from Russia. Earlier in January, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the need for Britain to reposition itself in light of the shift “from a post-war to pre-war world.” “Former adversaries have re-emerged, new adversaries are emerging, and battle lines are being redrawn. There are literal tanks on Ukraine’s doorstep in Europe,” Shapps warned in a speech. “The foundations of the global order are being significantly disrupted. We stand at a crucial juncture – either succumb to a myriad of challenges or take all necessary measures to prevent the danger. I firmly believe that, in reality, we have no other choice. To safeguard our freedoms, we must be prepared.”
“Not everything is guaranteed to be smooth sailing”
The U.S. and its NATO allies commenced their largest war games since the end of the Cold War this week. The Steadfast Defender 2024 drills will involve approximately 90,000 troops from allied nations rehearsing regional defense plans developed by NATO, according to Reuters.
“I’m not implying that conflict will erupt tomorrow. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that peace is not a given, which is why we have these plans,” remarked Dutch Adm. Rob Bauer, the NATO military committee chief, speaking at a press conference ahead of the exercises. Bauer pointed out that conflicts like the war in Ukraine illustrate the involvement of entire societies, whether desired or not. Therefore, NATO member states must adapt to “an era in which anything can happen at any time, an era in which we must expect the unexpected,” Bauer stated, urging citizens to stock basic supplies in case of unforeseen conflict. “You need to have water, a battery-powered radio, and a flashlight with batteries to ensure survival in the initial 36 hours. Simple preparations like these are crucial. It’s the acknowledgment that not everything is predictable and not everything is guaranteed to be smooth sailing in the next 20 years,” Bauer emphasized.
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Haley Ott
Haley Ott is a foreign reporter at cbsnews.com, based in the CBS News London bureau. Haley joined the cbsnews.com team in 2018, having previously worked for media outlets such as Al Jazeera, Monocle, and Vice News.
