Britain’s stance against Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthi rebels appears tough, with its third targeted operation hitting key rebel military targets. The statements of the defense and foreign ministers do not foreshadow a moderate attitude. However, the messages that the British receive about the defense readiness of the country at home are different. There are not a few British articles with warnings from current and former military personnel for an immediate increase in defense spending.

Such an “awakening” came today with the publication of an investigation by the Defense Committee of the British Parliament (Defence Committee), which concludes that there are shortages in personnel, stocks and capabilities. “It is clear that the government will never achieve military or wartime readiness without a thriving industrial base and without a supply chain that can attract, develop and retain enough skilled personnel to meet the growing and evolving military challenges we face as a nation.” states, among other things, the research.

There is a shortage of military personnel

Sir Jeremy Quinn, Conservative MP and chairman of the cross-party committee, speaking to the BBC and Telegraph today, accused the Ministry of Defense of “knowing that only 5 officers are recruited for every 8 who retire”, while stressing that recruitment in the defense sector is “so vitally important, as well as timely”.

According to data from the British Ministry of Defense, it is a fact that at the moment the British army has 5,000 fewer soldiers than it needs. Former army chiefs have warned that the country’s defense forces have been “crippling since 2010”. At the same time, the report estimates that the £1.95 billion included in the budget last spring is likely to be spent on existing defense shortfalls, rather than strengthening and replenishing stocks.

On the other hand, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense stated on the occasion of the revelations that “the armed forces are always ready to protect and defend the country” and clarified that “we continue to honor all service commitments, including NATO missions, the support in Ukraine, but also the attacks against the Houthis in the Red Sea”.

However, today the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth announced that it will not participate in the planned NATO exercise due to mechanical failure.

New round of attacks

Just last night, the third series of targeted attacks by Britain and America on Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthi rebels took place. A total of 36 strategic targets in 13 regions of Yemen were hit, while Defense Minister Grant Shapps stressed that this is not an “escalation of the situation” but “is being done with the aim of protecting innocent lives and maintaining freedom of navigation”.

In a stern tone were today’s statements by the British foreign minister, Lord Cameron, who made it clear that “attacks on international shipping must stop” adding that reckless actions put innocent lives at risk, threaten freedom of navigation and destabilize the wider region. .