Army chief says UK must prepare for war with public support

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:51 · Archive

The head of the British army says political leaders will soon have a 'frank conversation' with the public about preparing for war.

General Sir Roly Walker, head of the British army, told troops that political leaders will soon start a 'frank conversation' with the public about preparing for war. He was speaking to around 700 soldiers at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.

Walker said the nation 'is going to need' its armed forces and that this represented a shift in public consciousness. He described the current geopolitical climate as 'very dangerous time'.

In his remarks to the soldiers, Walker said: 'There was a time that our nation didn't want to think of a time when it would need its soldiers to fight in a war.' He indicated that this period was coming to an end.

Walker said political leaders would explain to citizens the need for sacrifices to prioritise defence and security. He stressed that citizens would need to understand the armed forces' role and 'consent to allow us to do that', which 'means sacrifices by them'. He said those for whom the military is 'not necessarily at the front of their mind' would need to play a part in the nation's defence.

Walker described the coming shift as one in which the 'business of soldiering' would return to public consciousness. He said the government would need to present the choices facing the country and explain the threats that must be countered.

How it is being reported

• British people will soon need to make sacrifices for war, head of army warnsGeneral Sir Roly Walker said the nation would soon have a 'frank conversation' as the 'business of soldiering' returns to public consciousness.Metro · 16 Oct, 12:43
• Army chief tells UK troops 'our nation is going to need you' in blunt speech on warThe army chief delivered the speech to a group of around 700 soldiers.Daily Express · 16 Oct, 12:41
• Army chief says politicians to start 'frank conversation' with public to prepare for warThe head of the army says the UK's political leaders are about to start a "frank conversation" with the public about the need to prepare for war.Sky News · 16 Oct, 10:52

In this story: General Sir Roly Walker · British army · Catterick Garrison · North Yorkshire · United Kingdom

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