In today’s issue
— Britain’s political crisis is bad news for the Kremlin
— Our defences are perilously thin
Thank goodness. I have known Boris Johnson for a quarter of a century. he’s not fit to run a bath, let alone the country.
His support for Ukraine was useful, but cynical. He used his “friendship” with President Zelensky as a distraction from his now-terminal political problems at home.
The British military aid was enough to damage our own security but not enough to make a difference in Ukraine. Only US military aid really matters.
But he neglected the home front. He did almost nothing to curb dirty money flows, or Russian influence in our political system. (The only practical change has been greatly improved security in Parliament, under the brilliant, steely Alison Giles).
Most of the contenders to replace him will be better.
But they will have to deal with Britain’s underlying problem — our ambitions are bigger than our budget. We face tough decisions (giving up heavy armour, aircraft carriers and other full-spectrum capabilities), or horrible risks (if an adversary decides we are not serious).
For now, the immediate worry is stockpiles.
I spend a lot of time talking to military officers. The topic that comes up again and again is