Regarding your article (UK and its allies face ‘deadly quartet’ of nations, says defence expert, 16 July), the new government’s strategic defence and security review must promote a maritime defence strategy. Britain and global partners are threatened by the aggression of Russia, North Korea, Iran and proxies – China too, sadly.
The sea remains central to national prosperity and security – 95% of trade by volume is in ships. Our merchant navy, responsible for trade and supply chains, is vital to national resilience. Protection of trade is a prime duty of the senior service – witness HMS Diamond shooting down Houthi missiles aimed at merchant shipping in the Red Sea.
