Sir Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary and army officer, and Gavin Williamson, also a former UK Defence Secretary, delve into the UK's defence readiness. They discuss the alarming vulnerabilities in air defences and the impact of budget constraints on military operations. Williamson reveals the shocking state of reserves he discovered in 2017, while Wallace reflects on the pressing need for modernization versus legacy systems. Both emphasize the urgency in addressing the growing Russian threat and the importance of real investment over mere political posturing.

Sir Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary and long-time chair of the British–Iran Parliamentary Group, offers a regional security perspective. He discusses Mojtaba Khamenei’s succession and the IRGC’s hold on power. Short takes cover Gulf states’ economic and political anxieties, drone escalation risks, and the wider energy and European security fallout.

Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace shares his insights on NATO and the potential fallout from a US exit. He discusses the implications for the alliance, Europe’s military financing needs, and the urgency for rearmament amid fears of a US invasion of Greenland. Wallace sheds light on his lunch with Donald Trump and critiques the NATO spending target, expressing concerns about public support for defense funding. He also addresses the feasibility of deploying UK troops to Ukraine and the challenge of European military independence from US technology.