Ex MI6 Chief On The Future of UK Defence
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This episode is titled:
Ex MI6 Chief On The Future of UK Defence
Notable Quotes
"We're not going to be telling everyone to build an Anderson shelter in their back garden."
"It isn't about knowing secrets... it's about how states actually behave, not how they say they behave."

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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
This episode of the podcast centers on the UK government's long-anticipated defence review set to be released shortly. Hosts Paddy and Laura introduce the topic by first addressing a recent interview with Bjorn from ABBA, but shift quickly to the main focus: an in-depth discussion about critical defence issues amidst rising global threats. Notably, they highlight a visit to a missile factory where they learned that missiles are assembled by hand, a surprising fact for many listeners.
The hosts express concerns about the current state of the UK military, stating that it has been significantly reduced in size over the years, with only 73,000 army personnel now compared to 110,000 a decade ago. They discuss the government's ambitious plan to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2035, which Defence Secretary John Healy recently indicated was a firm commitment rather than just an ambition.
Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, is introduced to share his insights on pressing global threats, particularly identifying Russia as a clear and present danger due to its hostile actions against Europe. He contrasts this with China, suggesting while it is a rising technological power, it is not necessarily on a military confrontation path with the West.
Younger emphasizes the importance of maintaining technological capabilities and adapting defence strategies to prevent war rather than preparing for it. He warns that investing in deterrents now can prevent conflicts in the future and discusses areas for improvement, such as cyber capabilities and overall military readiness.
The episode concludes with reflections on societal involvement in defence, noting that modern threats require a collective effort and mindset change, pointing to the urgent need for political leadership that encourages such engagement.Our listeners are left to ponder the shifting dynamics of global security, especially in the context of Ukraine's rapid military adaptations and the UK's slower bureaucratic processes.
Finally, the hosts tease the next episode, which promises more discussions on defense, with a focus on insights from the Polish Foreign Minister regarding their substantial defense spending amid threats from Russia.
The hosts express concerns about the current state of the UK military, stating that it has been significantly reduced in size over the years, with only 73,000 army personnel now compared to 110,000 a decade ago. They discuss the government's ambitious plan to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2035, which Defence Secretary John Healy recently indicated was a firm commitment rather than just an ambition.
Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, is introduced to share his insights on pressing global threats, particularly identifying Russia as a clear and present danger due to its hostile actions against Europe. He contrasts this with China, suggesting while it is a rising technological power, it is not necessarily on a military confrontation path with the West.
Younger emphasizes the importance of maintaining technological capabilities and adapting defence strategies to prevent war rather than preparing for it. He warns that investing in deterrents now can prevent conflicts in the future and discusses areas for improvement, such as cyber capabilities and overall military readiness.
The episode concludes with reflections on societal involvement in defence, noting that modern threats require a collective effort and mindset change, pointing to the urgent need for political leadership that encourages such engagement.Our listeners are left to ponder the shifting dynamics of global security, especially in the context of Ukraine's rapid military adaptations and the UK's slower bureaucratic processes.
Finally, the hosts tease the next episode, which promises more discussions on defense, with a focus on insights from the Polish Foreign Minister regarding their substantial defense spending amid threats from Russia.
Key Takeaways
- The UK military has reduced in size significantly over the past decade, prompting discussions on future defense strategy.
- Technological advancements are critical to maintaining military effectiveness against rising global threats, especially from Russia and China.
- Preventing war should be prioritized over merely preparing for it through investments in deterrence and capabilities.
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