Williamson’s new defence policy will be meaningless without funding

It’s one thing to recognise the long-term threats posed by states such as Russia, quite another to meet them.

Alexander Temerko: Why Williamson is right to seek higher defence spending

After years of defence cuts and maybe more to come, we must ask whether the Armed Forces are properly equipped to keep Britain safe.

“Those who threaten our security would like nothing more than to see us fractured.” May’s security speech in Munich speech. Full text.

“If the priority becomes avoiding new cooperation with a country outside the EU, then this will have damaging real world consequences for the security of all our people.”

Garvan Walshe: British defence planning should focus on supporting Ukraine against a rearmed Russia

Doing so would be an opportunity for us to learn – Ukrainian forces have valuable experience of state-to-state conflict, and of Russian weaponry we have never faced.

Blame Ministers in emperors’ new clothes – not naked civil servants

If you don’t like what the Treasury’s up to, criticise the Chancellor, who’s accountable for it – not those who work for him, who aren’t.

The Moggcast. Episode Two. Johnson is “an amazingly charismatic figure. He’s a leader. And that is so impressive about him.”

The Chancellor is opposing Government policy, he laments – before calling for more defence spending, and praising “wonderful, forthright, gutsy” Claire Perry.

Voters need to take defence spending seriously – then the Government will

During the Cold War being ‘strong on defence’ was a potent vote winner, and the money flowed accordingly.

Why May should make it clear that she will not lead the Conservatives into the next election

Which is what she hinted at after the last one – and which would ease the pressures on her and help get the government back on its feet.

WATCH: Trump – UK and US “joined at the hip when it comes to the military”

The President insists that he and the Prime Minister ‘like each other a lot’.

More money for the NHS? Don’t forget another big spending pressure point. More money for defence.

Brexit has transformed the context in which we plan our security. Commitments to our European neighbours and Global Britain require more money.

Bob Seely: Post-Brexit, we need to be the world’s smart power nation. Let’s make it happen.

Our plan seems to have been little more than to cobble together just enough kit to make us a Great Power on the cheap. That cannot continue.

Last June’s election has transformed the debate about capitalism. May must find a strategic response.

Tactical newspaper articles are necessary but insufficient. She should make a series of speeches to set out her stall and try to change the weather.

Daniel Kawczynski: After we escape the EU, we must help other countries to protect their sovereignty from Brussels

That means defending NATO from encroachment by an EU army, and supporting Central and Eastern European countries in staying out of the Euro.

Marc Morrison: A strong relationship with Bahrain is vital to our Middle East policy

Not only are we helping the Kingdom achieve important domestic reforms, it gives us a platform to project our influence in this vital region.

Our message to Williamson’s allies: grow up

And we will have one for Hammond, for what it’s worth, if the armed forces are refused further cash that they need.