How is that remotely ridiculous? The UK is financially bankrupt. Simply we cannot afford what we do in any field right now, be it education, health or defence. The pot of money is more than just empty, we’ve even cut throught the bottom. The military can bleet all it wants, the cupboard (to use another metaphor) is bare.
As for the UK world position, it ain’t what it used to be. Not only has Neo-Arbitan bankrupted the UK financially (with not a little help from the banks) but has also bankrupted us morally. We have very little standing anywhere since 2003 when we turned our back on the diplomatic process. I have worked in three continents since then and view of the UK is one of mistrust, disbelief and downright hostility. Since our pullout (surrender as one RN officer put it to me) from Iraq our word is worth very little and we are regarded with utter distain in many quarters.
Yes we have world responsibilities, I would not advocate no power projection, but Nuclear weapons and strike carriers may no longer be the answer. I would love to live in a UK where we could afford to sustain the NHS, high quality state education and still build strike carriers etc, but it is just a dream, its not possible.
True, the UK isn’t the world player that it once was. However the UK didn’t get where it was because it was liked or trusted by other nations. It got where it was becasue it was strong. I believe that the UK has more of an influence and responsibility on the world stage that you do. We will only maintain it by being strong.
On the world stage strength carries more weight than being liked or trusted.
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