US Secretary of the Navy urges Britain to increase the size of its Armed Forces
The United Kingdom should reconsider the size of its Armed Forces to face the possibility of a major conflict breaking out, the United States Secretary of the Navy secretary has warned.
During his speech at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Carlos Del Toro suggested that more investment should be considered for the Royal Navy.
He also praised the UK for its continued support of Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion.
"I think it is important for the United Kingdom to reassess where they are today given the threats that exist today," said the retired US Navy Commander.
Mr Del Toro said more investment must be provided to strengthen the Armed Forces to face the possibility of a major conflict breaking out between the West and Russia.
His comments echo those of the head of the British Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, who said the Armed Forces are currently too small to take part in a major war.
This ignited discussion around the idea of raising some sort of citizens' army to bolster the defence of the UK.
Mr Del Toro added: "I commend the United Kingdom on its recent announcement of an additional £2.5bn in military aid to our partners in Ukraine.
"Your assistance to Ukraine during a pivotal time in their war with Russia complements the military and humanitarian aid packages they have already received from several Nato and EU nations.
"All of which are representative of our collective, continued support for Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression."
He also stressed the importance of the Royal Navy's role in global security via its operations in the Red Sea.
"The United Kingdom’s leading role in this maritime coalition that addresses a range of concerns from piracy, terrorism, training, and security cooperation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is a recognition of the fact that our navies remain a critical element to upholding the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea for the benefit of all countries," he said.
"And equally as important to stability of our global maritime commons is the Royal Navy's increased presence throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
"More significantly, the Iranian-aligned Houthis continue to launch unprovoked attacks on civilian merchant ships sailing innocently through international waters in the Red Sea
"Six of our coalition navies' destroyers - including HMS Diamond - have shot down scores of anti-ship cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones launched by the Houthis over the Red Sea."
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