Britain should consider sending troops to Ukraine to provide training and other support to Ukrainian forces in their war with Russia – albeit away from the front lines, former armed forces minister James Shippe said.

Mr Shippy also told Sky News the UK needed Be better prepared for war That includes reinvigorating a massive “strategic reserve” force of thousands of veterans who may be called upon to serve again in a national crisis at a time of growing threats.

In a wide-ranging interview, outgoing Wells MP for Somerset reiterated calls for an immediate increase in defense spending to close capability gaps – such as being able to defend UK airspace from missile attacks – and ultimately re-grow the military .

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“Given my role as long-serving Minister of Defence, I did set two things for myself to achieve during the remainder of my time as an MP. [Ministry of Defence]”, Heappey, 43, said in an interview at his home.

“First, increase defense spending: 2.5% [of national income, up from just over 2%] Now. It will grow by 3% by 2030.

“Secondly, we want to reinvest and refocus on our strategic resilience as a nation and our ability to fight war and withstand any other type of crisis that might occur.”

After the comments come Sky News revealed last week The government had no national plan to defend Britain or to mobilize British people and industry in a war.

Officials have begun developing a cross-government “defense plan,” but any shift back to a Cold War-style, war-ready state will require political leaders to once again make defense a truly national effort.

Mr Shippy, who last month resigned from his role as armed forces minister after four-and-a-half years, stressed the vital importance of supporting UK and wider European security. Ukraine In the war with Vladimir Putin Russia.

He urged Britain and its allies to take further steps on the types of weapons they are willing to provide to Kiev as Ukrainian forces struggle to fend off a new wave of Russian attacks.

“I think we now have to shake the tree again to understand what more we can offer from our current inventory – what is the next capability threshold that we can move beyond Storm Shadow [cruise missiles]? “

Members of Congress, who would Quit politics at the next electionwould not reveal which munitions he recommended using, but he did express support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments on the issue. Western troops may need to be deployed to Ukraine.

“I think some of Macron’s recent proposals are really worth considering,” the former minister said.

Asked if he was referring to the idea of ​​wearing boots on the ground, he said: “I think you have to be careful how you do it. I think definitely stay away from war zones. I think you have to be very, very careful not to let it become Russia’s war with NATO.

“But I do think it’s worth exploring what the donor community can do at a deeper level — deep within Ukraine.”

As for whether that meant something like deploying British troops on a training mission inside Ukraine, Shippy said: “Well, I think that’s worth considering.”

Revitalize strategic reserves

Closer to home, Mr Shippy said he wanted to see a modern version of the Cold War system that prepared the entire country – the military, industry and the public – for the possibility of armed conflict.

This includes restoring the strategic reserve – which includes everyone who has been separated from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for a period of time.

“Go back 30 years, when you left the military, all you had left was a uniform and you were required to go to training once a year, just for a weekend, just to check if you could still shoot straight and if you could still run,” he said .

As a second tier of military force, the obligation to support the regular army in the battle for the nation’s survival remains – including Mr Shippy as a former officer.

“So I better keep doing some push-ups and running,” he said with a laugh.

Defense secretaries are exploring reconnecting with this group of veterans.

“I think they’re thinking about how to do that,” the congressman said.

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“It’s one thing to contact them…but depending on what you do with them…are we going to start saying to them that when they’re in the strategic reserve, there’s some kind of responsibility?

“These discussions are ongoing and we are still far from a policy announcement, but they are ongoing.”

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He said he thought it would be a good idea to reestablish that connection and some kind of annual training, although he recognized it would require a lot of equipment, such as rifles and uniforms, and active-duty soldiers, sailors and airmen to practice.

As for the message this would send to Britain’s enemies, he said: “I think it would be very powerful…all of a sudden our adversaries are looking for a regular force…then than Who more than 200,000-250,000 have military skills, are familiar with military tactics, and can mobilize in emergencies, which again changes their minds.”

Asked about strategic reserves, a MoD spokesman said: “Our Armed Forces reserves are a vital and vital component of defence, their contribution to resilience and our ability to call on additional personnel when required is vital Important. We regularly update our strategic reserve records to ensure we can call on pre-regular personnel when their services are needed and to modernize our processes. “