Sir John Major’s Letter to The Times Newspaper – 18 April 2026

The text of the letter sent by Sir John Major to The Times newspaper on 18 April 2026.

Sir, I am pleased but not surprised that George Robertson (Thunderer, Apr 17) has opened up a serious discussion about the readiness of our armed forces. Defence cannot be an optional expenditure. The world has changed: it is more dangerous and less predictable. There is a war of conquest in Ukraine, a war of choice in Iran, and we cannot know how they will develop or what they foreshadow.

The future of Nato is uncertain, and the European members of the alliance must face the possibility of conflict without the full-hearted support of the US which, for decades, has been the rock upon which democracy prospered. This was a heavy burden for America to carry, but we can no longer — with absolute confidence — depend on her now. We must deal with the world as it is.

We are living in a belligerent environment, which may worsen. The UK — and Europe more generally — must be sufficiently equipped and able to defend itself. The argument that “we cannot afford it” will be irrelevant if Putin succeeds in Ukraine — and then, perhaps, moves on into Nato territory. If we and our European allies are not prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to protect our people and our sovereign territory, it will be a betrayal of our history and our future.

Sir John Major
London SW1