Security is an investment

One need not be a warmonger to see that the challenges posed nearby by Russia, and globally by China and Iran, are profound

April 23, 2024 9:15 pm(Updated 9:58 pm)

The UK’s defence industry is not going to be on a “war footing”, despite the Prime Minister’s claim. But his increase in military spending is meaningful. It commits an extra £70bn over the next six years and may also trigger a psychological shift.

Rishi Sunak is correct to argue that Europe must “invest in its own security”. One need not be a warmonger to see that the challenges posed nearby by Russia, and globally by China and Iran, are profound. Only a fool would do nothing and hope for the best. Deterrence, diplomacy and trade remain the paths to peace, as they have for 79 years.

Domestically, Sunak also did not want to be outflanked by Keir Starmer, who revealed in his recent interview with i that Labour would raise Britain’s defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP. Will that be enough? Let us hope.

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“What’s that big spike in our website traffic at 2 in the morn… ah.”

Taylor Swift – a popular musical entertainer, I’m told, who has 95 million followers on X/Twitter – was busy posting links to articles in i, The Times and Rolling Stone, after launching her new album.

This is the celebrity endorsement we have been seeking for years, even while Jeremy Corbyn was dutifully carrying copies of i around Islington. (Sorry Jeremy.)

Other public figures who share your good taste in newspapers include Liz Hurley (crossword fan), Mark Ronson and Jack from Silent Witness, who, after nearly being killed, lay stricken in his hospital bed reading a copy of the i, before surging back to life (series 17).

Crossword editor Mike Hutchinson reminds me that i readers include Ronnie Wood, who completes the Concise Crossword with the help of his beagle, Dolly. Our sports editor Ally McKay showed me pictorial evidence that England football captain Leah Williamson and former cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook enjoy i.

We are pleased to hear from all i readers, regardless of your athletic or artistic prowess. i@inews.co.uk