Britain lacks the capability to defend itself against a potential Iranian missile strike, a former defence secretary has issued a stark warning. Ben Wallace, who served as Defence Secretary from 2019 to 2023, has accused Labour ministers of attempting to minimise the threat posed by Tehran.
Recent Iranian Missile Incident
This warning follows Iran's retaliatory actions last month against American and Israeli strikes, which included targeting the joint US-UK military base in the Chagos Islands. Two ballistic missiles were fired at the strategically crucial base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Indian Ocean archipelago. While one missile failed and another was intercepted, the incident has raised serious concerns about Iran's capabilities.
Long-Range Capability Concerns
Israel has subsequently claimed that Iran is actively developing missiles with ranges sufficient to reach European capitals, including London, Paris, and Berlin. The British Government has maintained there is "no specific assessment" indicating Iran is targeting the UK or possesses long-range missiles capable of reaching London.
However, Sir Ben Wallace has directly contradicted this official position, stating it is "not correct" to assert Iran cannot strike the UK. He has urged ministers to "level with the public" about Britain facing a Cold War-like security scenario.
Defence Capability Gap
"No we wouldn't, not at the moment," Sir Ben responded when asked if Britain could intercept an Iranian missile targeting the country. He explained that Iran has adapted boosters from its space programme to enhance existing missile systems, potentially creating weapons with ranges that could threaten Britain in the future.
"The technology of range is now allowing ranges to grow," Wallace emphasised during an interview with Times Radio. "I give an example of a threat that the Government doesn't want you to know about or talk about."
Delayed Defence Legislation
The former Conservative Cabinet minister also criticised delays to Labour's Defence Readiness Bill, which aims to improve national preparedness by mobilising critical infrastructure and industries during conflicts. Originally promised for early 2026, the legislation is reportedly not expected to feature in next month's King's Speech, which sets Parliament's legislative agenda.
"You cannot pause the momentum of going up because, if you do, what happens is you stop being able to defend yourself," Wallace warned. He called for a public discussion about returning to Cold War-era preparedness measures, including civil defence planning and reservist mobilisation.
Political Criticism and Response
Tan Dhesi, Labour chairman of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, acknowledged the delay to the Defence Readiness Bill mirrors postponements in the defence investment plan. He cautioned that repeated delays risk "sending damaging signals to adversaries and allies" and urged the Ministry of Defence to accelerate its processes during this period of heightened geopolitical tension.
Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge condemned what he called "Labour's dither and delay on defence goes from bad to worse." He warned that while adversaries rapidly rearm, the government is moving "far too slowly" to address security threats.
A Government spokesman responded: "National security is our first duty, and we have the resources we need to keep the UK safe from attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. We're constantly hardening and sharpening our approach to homeland security, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War."
