During a parliamentary session, Helen Maguire, a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Democrats in Epsom and Ewell, expressed concerns about the UK’s readiness to address certain challenges, including gaps in missile defense systems and threats to critical infrastructure.
Maguire highlighted vulnerabilities in the UK’s defense, stating: “We are facing significant vulnerabilities in national defense, lacking ground-based missile defense systems to protect critical infrastructure, military bases, or populated areas. The recent suspicion of sabotage on underwater cables in the Baltic underscores hybrid threats that we must also be prepared for.”
She urged the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to take action to address these issues, asking: “What steps is the Ministry of Defence taking to address the shortcomings in the UK’s missile defense system, and how are we preparing for potential hybrid attacks on our critical infrastructure?” She also expressed concern that Sir Keir Starmer had “not announced an increase in investment in general practitioners or other aspects of the healthcare system amid the healthcare crisis.” Her comments came after the Prime Minister delivered a speech outlining his plans to reduce waiting times in the National Health Service. Helen Maguire added, “They need to be prepared to act.”
In response to the question, Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized the importance of the ongoing Strategic Defence Review (SDR). “It is crucial that the strategic defence review is able to provide its recommendations,” said Pollard, adding that the review would focus on addressing capability gaps.
The minister also criticized the state of the armed forces inherited by the current government, pointing out “gaps in capabilities, a decline in morale, and a staffing crisis.” He reassured Parliament that the government remains committed to defense, stating: “This government supports defense and will continue to do so, ensuring that these capability gaps are filled.”
The government is under pressure to acquire new assets after decommissioning outdated equipment at the end of last year. Among those were the assault ships of the Bulwark class (HMS Bulwark) and Albion (HMS Albion), which were officially retired due to the high cost of repairs, as well as the Type 23 frigate Northumberland (HMS Northumberland) and other assets.
Source: Ukdefencejournal
