Express & Star comment: We must adapt to changing world

Against that grim reality, the nation must be able to exert both hard and soft power. It must retain the necessary military might to protect our country. Similarly, it must be able to exert softer power and influence, helping to win arguments and put forth its view.

Our enemies are many and often they are hidden. The world is more complex than ever and in addition to physical attacks, we must also face up to new and emerging threats. It is essential, therefore, that we adapt. The Government is right to reflect on its foreign policy approach as the world is reshaped by the emergence of China as a global super power and by the rise of other nations around the world.

We have frequently tangled with a resurgent Russia, which has poisoned its opponents on our soil. We have suffered cyber attacks from a number of nations, who would happily disable the complicated systems that are vital to the smooth functioning of everyday life.

Brexit has taken us into a different space. We must explore what advantages and disadvantages there are, whether we are stronger alone or whether we need to build strategic alliances to make up for our political distance from European nations. We must assess our relationship with America, now that Joe Biden has restored stability to the White House. We must consider how best to work with such nations as China, given its atrocious record on human rights, the troubles in Hong Kong and its undoubted power. And we must also have better strategies in respect of nations such as Iran, which seeks to solve issues surrounding historic debts by imprisoning innocent British civilians.

Britain is committed to considerable expenditure on defence and it is right to do so. We must have battle-ready kit, systems and an awareness of how to adapt in the changing world.