Simon Case, former head of the civil service, has warned of increasing global tensions over the next two decades and emphasized the need for renewed measures in the UK’s defense strategy.
During his first major interview after stepping down from his role as cabinet secretary in December, Case urged ministers to devise new methods for deploying Britain’s nuclear deterrent, which is currently maintained on submarines.
Case stated to The Times that Britain should consider adopting land or jet-fired missiles as part of its defense strategy. This recommendation should ideally be part of the upcoming strategic defence review, which looks at the UK’s overall defense capabilities.
“In my opinion, relying on a single system for anything, especially in nuclear deterrence, is too much of a risk,” Case pointed out.
As he contemplated the future, Case expressed his concern over growing international conflict: “From looking at my children’s future, the next 10 to 20 years seem likely to be marked by this kind of international strife,” he said.
“It seems to me that we need to be proactive — we in the Western world need to get ready,” Case emphasized.
While speaking on The General and The Journalist podcast, Case suggested that the UK should increase its defense spending to 3% of its GDP as soon as possible. The current government has committed to raising the spending to 2.5% by 2027, with plans to increase it further.
Case’s tenure as the cabinet secretary was marked by service under four prime ministers: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer. Prior to his role as cabinet secretary, Case also served under Theresa May and David Cameron.
During his first major interview after stepping down from his role as cabinet secretary in December, Case urged ministers to devise new methods for deploying Britain’s nuclear deterrent, which is currently maintained on submarines.
Case stated to The Times that Britain should consider adopting land or jet-fired missiles as part of its defense strategy. This recommendation should ideally be part of the upcoming strategic defence review, which looks at the UK’s overall defense capabilities.
“In my opinion, relying on a single system for anything, especially in nuclear deterrence, is too much of a risk,” Case pointed out.
As he contemplated the future, Case expressed his concern over growing international conflict: “From looking at my children’s future, the next 10 to 20 years seem likely to be marked by this kind of international strife,” he said.
“It seems to me that we need to be proactive — we in the Western world need to get ready,” Case emphasized.
While speaking on The General and The Journalist podcast, Case suggested that the UK should increase its defense spending to 3% of its GDP as soon as possible. The current government has committed to raising the spending to 2.5% by 2027, with plans to increase it further.
Case’s tenure as the cabinet secretary was marked by service under four prime ministers: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer. Prior to his role as cabinet secretary, Case also served under Theresa May and David Cameron.
