Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (Peter Byrne/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Ben Wallace does not mince his words. In an exclusive interview in today’s Evening Standard, the Defence Secretary said that Vladimir Putin is discovering Russia is no longer a superpower, as his army suffers from a string of defeats and failures. Wallace also said that Putin must lose to demonstrate that wars cannot be won by “shoving millions of people into a meat grinder with no rules, no regard for human lives and innocent people and civilians”.
Pressed on whether the basic Ukrainian soldier is now better than the basic Russian soldier, Wallace added: “I think undoubtedly.” Britain can take pride in the part it has played in this. Since the start of the summer, our country has helped to train thousands of soldiers, turning ordinary citizens doing everyday jobs into a confident force drilled in military tactics, weaponry and first aid.
Wallace also stated there would be “severe consequences” for Russia should it resort to nuclear weapons. Such action would not only threaten a major loss of life but lead to the further isolation of Russia by the international community. Putin must be shown nuclear is not an option.
Ultimately, the West’s position has not shifted since the start of the war. Putin cannot be allowed to win. And we should continue to use all the tools in our arsenal, from financial sanctions to military training, to support victory for Ukraine and the right to self-determination.
Kwarteng’s uphill task
Pity poor Jacob Rees-Mogg, whose mortgage has gone up in recent weeks. The Business Secretary and muti-millionaire’s plight should at least bring to the heart of Government the severe problems facing voters with potentially less salubrious homes in need of refinancing.
In the meantime, everyone is watching and waiting to see what happens on Friday, when the Bank of England’s emergency bond-buying programme ends. Or perhaps not. Governor Andrew Bailey yesterday told pension funds they “have three days left” until support ends.
This caused some fright in the markets and subsequent briefing out of Threadneedle Street suggests the support could instead be extended beyond this week.
Monetary policy and bond markets are supposed to be boring. Instead, since the disastrous mini-Budget last month, the UK financial system has been on a roller coaster ride as the markets cast scathing judgement on the Government’s fiscal plans.
Therefore, the stakes on October 31, when the Chancellor sets out his debt plan (Office for Budget Responsibility forecast and all), could scarcely be higher. The task will be to claw back lost credibility and convince investors that Britain remains a reliable borrower operating within sensible fiscal rules. Doing that while satisfying Parliament and the public will be an arduous task. But there is no alternative now.
Farewell to a great
A star of screen and stage, amateur detective and singing teapot, Dame Angela Lansbury did it all in a remarkable career spanning eight decades.
Born in London before becoming a war evacuee and then a leading light in Hollywood and Broadway, she entertained and charmed generations with her talent. Few could hope to earn such universal acclaim and admiration. May she rest in peace.
