Russia’s war in Ukraine underscores the need for stronger British defences

Angus Macintyre argues that Russia’s war in Ukraine shows the danger of yielding to authoritarian leaders, saying concessions could encourage further aggression. He calls for stronger British defences and says Reform UK would put national security and sovereignty first.

He describes the conflict as exceptionally intense, with extensive artillery bombardment reducing towns and cities to rubble, and says the war is nearing its fifth year. Macintyre says Reform’s National Security Review has identified Russia, Iran and China as major threats, and pledges to raise defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030 and 3.5 per cent by 2035, while rebuilding military stockpiles.