Latest editorial
Prime Minister David Cameron proclaimed yesterday that Britain's military is a "first-class player" after criticisms from a former US defence secretary - but immediately faced tough questions over his priorities from campaigners.
Robert Gates said an erosion of Britain's defence forces had reduced its ability to be a "full partner" to the United States across the whole range of military operations.
But Mr Cameron insisted the Ministry of Defence budget remained the fourth largest globally and promised more investment was being made to enhance its future capabilities.
Washington’s response to a downed jet shows a superpower still reaching for overwhelming force even as its wars repeatedly fail, says NICK WRIGHT
Outrage greeted Donald Trump’s suggestion earlier this year that Britain stayed off the front lines. But evidence suggests our forces were at times pulled from the most dangerous fighting — not by military failure, but by pressure at home, says IAN SINCLAIR
