Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
UK army chief says public must accept sacrifices to prepare for war
UK army chief General Sir Roly Walker says the country may need soldiers to fight as global risks grow.
Speaking to about 700 troops at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, he said the danger facing Britain is serious.
He expects political leaders to explain the risks and ask the public to accept sacrifices to prioritise defence and security.
Walker said people need to understand the role the army plays and support soldiers if they are called to fight.
His warning comes amid calls to increase defence spending and concerns about Britain’s readiness for war.
A planned defence budget has a £5bn funding gap, and Chancellor John Healey is under pressure to find the money.
The Conservatives have urged the government to raise defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030.
General Sir Roly Walker said the public must accept sacrifices to prioritise defence and security.
The chief of the general staff told soldiers the UK could need them to fight in a war.
He said political leaders would soon have a frank conversation with the public about the risks and preparations.
Walker spoke to around 700 soldiers during a visit to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.
His comments come amid calls to increase defence spending and warnings about Britain’s readiness for war.
- Who
- General Sir Roly Walker, chief of the general staff, addressed soldiers and discussed the public’s role in defence.
- What
- He said the UK may need soldiers to fight and the public must accept sacrifices to prioritise defence and security.
- When
- 16 October 2026.
- Where
- Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
- Why
- Walker cited what he described as extreme jeopardy in world affairs and a dangerous time for defence and security.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Walker spoke to around 700 soldiers during a visit to Catterick Garrison.
Walker said political leaders would have a frank conversation with the public about risks and the sacrifices needed for defence and security.
- Speaker
- General Sir Roly Walker
- Role
- Chief of the general staff
- Audience
- Around 700 soldiers
- Location
- Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire
- Defence spending gap
- £5bn
- Targets urged by Conservatives
- 3 per cent of GDP by 2030
3 sources
What people are saying
our nation is going to need you.
They are going to try and explain to our citizens that our citizens have got to consent to sacrifices to prioritise defence and security.