'More to do' to avoid repeat of WWII, warns army chief

There is "every possibility" that a conflict on the scale of the Second World War could embroil Europe in the coming years, the outgoing head of the British army has claimed. General Sir Patrick Sanders, 58, who will step down in the coming days after two years in the post, issued the comments in Portsmouth at an event to commemorate the D-Day operation of 6 June 1944.

- TOM WATLING

Having recently returned from a visit to British troops in Poland, Gen Sanders heralded the progression of the British army but added that there was “more to do” and urged the military to ramp up its readiness for war.

Sources said Gen Sanders was careful not to say that a future, wider conflict with Russia is inevitable, suggesting that the outgoing head of the army was “balanced” in his message, pressing home the importance of creating competent armed forces as a “deterrent” to a possible attack by Moscow.

But Gen Sanders’ comments will likely frustrate a more cautious Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of the armed forces, who has tried to play down the threat facing Britain by saying that Russia is not seeking a direct war with Nato.

His comments came as world leaders joined veterans in Normandy this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied campaign to liberate Europe.