Armed forces chief speaks out on chance of Russia attack and invasion of UK

Armed forces chief speaks out on chance of Russia attack and invasion of UKPA, RUSI

Transcript

00:00And as we look to the SDR, we need to be clear-eyed in our assessment of the threat,

00:07and then we should be confident in that assessment to make the right policy decisions

00:13and investment choices. That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance

00:21of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom,

00:27and that's the same for the whole of NATO. Russia knows the response will be overwhelming,

00:35whether conventional or nuclear. The strategy of deterrence by NATO works and is working,

00:44but it has to be kept strong and strengthened against a more dangerous Russia. That assessment

00:52about Russia is separate to actions short of war, where Russia is clearly active and eager to both

01:01challenge and undermine the international system. But whilst reckless and unacceptable,

01:09those threats are much more manageable and reflect the increasingly pariah status of Russia.

01:15Our unity, cohesion and our economies can withstand this pressure. We should not fret

01:24nor buckle. In fact, all of this requires us to be on the front foot and to lead.

01:32It's also about recognising that society is more than just territorial defence.

01:38It's about safeguarding, sorry, security is more than just territorial defence. It's about

01:44safeguarding and strengthening our prosperity. It's about protecting our interests and values

01:51and our way of life. And it's about contributing to the stability of the international system

01:57in the broadest sense.