"A former special forces colonel, government minister Al Carns was this week on manouevres warning that the UK needs to be preparing for war with Russia. The shadow of war is knocking on Europe's door once more. That's the reality. We've got to be prepared to deter it, he said, in comments that go beyond previous warnings by his boss, the defence secretary, John Healey."
"Collectively, everybody what is their role if we get caught in an existential crisis, and what do they need to be aware they need to do and what they can't do, and how do we mobilise the nation to support a military endeavour? It was stark language from the 45-year-old Scottish-born MP, who has had an exceptionally swift rise to his role of armed forces minister."
"One of the reasons for that is that Carns has been involved in politics for longer than it seems, as a former military adviser to three defence secretaries: Mordaunt, Michael Fallon and Gavin Williamson. Carns was born in Aberdeen, and state educated, before enlisting in the Royal Marines in 1999 at the age of 19. He rose through the ranks and was awarded the Military Cross in 2011 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2010 to 31 March 2011."
Al Carns urged that the UK must prepare to deter a potential war with Russia and consider national mobilisation and public roles in an existential crisis. Carns framed the risk as immediate, saying the shadow of war is knocking on Europe's door and emphasising collective responsibilities and limits during conflict. Carns combines a rapid political rise with deep military experience, having served in the Royal Marines, advised multiple defence secretaries, and received the Military Cross for service in Afghanistan. Some MPs view him as potential leadership material, while others warn against overhyping his public appeal without assessing political instincts.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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