Originally Posted by
Sunk at Narvik
Bill,
Its because the UK has global interests that are so obvious. Just look at the pattern of trade and investments- the UK invests more abroad than other European powers and its interests rival that of the USA. Return on foreign investments are a major contributor to the UK economy.
That would explain the Japanese carrier groups int eh North Sea and Med, protecting their investments in Europe.
Britain also has (reletively) extensive patches of real estate still dotted about.
Many of which host large US bases and are only kept for this purpose.
Approx 10 million UK citizens work abroad.
The UK is a member of the UN P5.
Historical holdover which discredits the UNSC today.
Its a member of NATO.
As is Iceland
Its a signatory to the FPDA
Thats why the UK has a navy with a global reach.
Really? When did we get that?
Now, if the UK's economy predominantly faced inwards, didn't have extensive economic, cultural or historic ties across the world, didn't play a major role in international affairs then yes, we could be like Ireland or Poland and just have a few patrol vessels.
Your argument cuts all ways- in those circs we wouldn't need much of the RAF either- just a few squadrons of cheap Gripens- just like the Hungarians or Greeks.[/quote]
True
Has it occurred to anyone that we might actually be better offstaying at home and minding out own business rather than desperately trying to act as global deputy sherriff?