Gen Z is failing to join the military like my generation did, Wallace warns

Britain's Armed Forces recruitment effort is in crisis because Generation Z is not signing up to serve, a former defence secretary has warned.

Speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari, Ben Wallace, who stepped down as defence secretary in August last year, said Britain needed to increase the number of younger people joining the Armed Forces.

The former Army officer said the military needs more money spent on it, but added: "We also need to do some things differently."

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"Armed forces across the West, not just Britain, across Europe, America, have a recruitment challenge," he added.

Mr Wallace went on to say: "Generation Z is not joining the Armed Forces in the way my generation did.

"And, post-Covid, skill shortages in engineering and all sorts of things are a real challenge."

Mr Wallace's comments come after the First Sea Lord last year admitted the Royal Navy was struggling to recruit young people who need "permanent connectivity" with their friends and family - and Generation Z was too hooked on smartphones to sign up as submariners.