'Our nation is going to need you to fight': Army chief warns Britons must brace for war sacrifices

General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, addressed 700 soldiers at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, warning that Britain's political leaders will "very soon" begin a "frank conversation" with the public about the dangers facing the country and what citizens must sacrifice to defend it. The bluntly-worded speech — filmed by British Forces Broadcasting Service — comes as Labour continues to stall on committing to higher defence spending targets and Russia steps up its hostile actions toward the West.

Sir Roly said citizens must "consent to sacrifices to prioritise defence and security" and play an active part — not merely cheer from the sidelines.

The warning lands as polling suggests up to half of the British public would refuse to fight under any circumstances, and as the UK still faces a £25bn annual gap to hit Nato's 3.5 per cent GDP target by 2035.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting was holding talks with US counterpart Pete Hegseth over Ukraine support at the same moment Sir Roly delivered his stark call to arms.