Max Hastings is one of Britains most distinguished journalists and editors. He is also a staunch and respected member of the Conservative party. He was 100% right about Boris Johnson being unfit to be PM , he knows him well personally and professionally.. He is equally right about idiotic global Britain strategy, we are even less important globally than we are in Europe where despite Brexit we are recognised as having a competent and professional military even if its effectiveness is limited by shortages and poor procurement (latest 'tank' (in newspaper speak) fiasco.
Ukraine has shown up once again that Europe can still be home to armed conflict and we cannot continue to expect the USA to bail us (Europe) out all the time . If Trump was still Pres who knows what could have happened, nuclear war? Siding with Pootin ?/
Unpopular; as the idea is a European army /defense force needs to happen sooner rather than later while there is still considerable regard and respect in the EU countries for Britains military competence and professionalism. That coupled with our relative size would give UK a substantial leadership role in any such entity. We have to ditch the Dads Army view of our neighbours and work with them precisely because they are our neighbors and any conflict affecting them affects us and vice versa. A previous poster pointed out the interdepence of our defense industry on investment and material from EU countries and theres nothing wrong with that, In todays, world few if any countries can seriously support their military from their on industrial resources. Probably just CHina and USA .
The sun has finally set on Empire these days.