It’s one thing to declare yourself ‘rather dead than red’, quite another to inflict that decision on the rest of us, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
Never in my lifetime has the Ministry of Defence had to defend my country against a remotely plausible overseas threat, least of all fromor China. Instead, in the cause of “interests and values” it has killed untold thousands of foreigners in my name and to virtually no gain.
Now, with the looming threat of a serious east-west confrontation, the least we should expect of Britain’s probable next prime minister,, is that she drops her cliches and articulates clearly what she sees as Britain’s objectives, if any, in Ukraine and Taiwan. Neither country is a formal ally of Britain or critical to its defence. Horror at Russian aggression justified military aid to Kyiv, but that was a humanitarian rather than strategic response. Probably the greatest aid we can be tois to assist in the eventual return of its exiled labour force and help in rebuilding its shattered cities. Taiwan likewise merits sympathy in its historic struggle with China, but its status poses no military threat to Britain.
It may be that one day a global war, like global heating, delivers the world a catastrophe it may have to confront. For the time being liberal democracy surely owes it to humanity to avert rather than provoke that risk. Both sides are now flirting with disaster. The west should be ready to back off – and not call it defeat.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Liz Truss’s Oxbridge proposal is the latest vacuous idea from a slapstick Tory race | Simon JenkinsThe ill-thought-out ideas issuing from Britain’s prime ministerial candidates are a cause for alarm, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
Read more »
Liz Truss’s Oxbridge proposal is the latest vacuous idea from a slapstick Tory race | Simon JenkinsThe ill-thought-out ideas issuing from Britain’s prime ministerial candidates are a cause for alarm, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
Read more »
Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan as China condemns her visitPelosi says the visit to Taiwan honours America's 'unwavering commitment' to support Taiwan's democracy.
Read more »
Shortly after Pelosi leaves Taiwan, China sends aircraft into Taiwan StraitTwenty-seven Chinese aircraft buzz the Taiwan Strait, with Taiwan saying 22 of them crossed the median line within hours of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi leaving the island.
Read more »
'Every family has lost something': Ukraine President thanks Australia for support during warUkraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanks Australia and the Albanese government for its support, as the embassy discusses way to 'adopt' parts of Ukraine.
Read more »
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addresses Taiwan's parliament as China summons US ambassadorUS House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised Taiwan as one of the freest societies of the world, while China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to protest her visit to Taiwan.
Read more »