Britain in the Second Division

Last week saw the award of colours to units of the Royal Marines. In the regal surroundings of Windsor Castle and in the presence of their Captain General, the King, the occasion was everything that could be expected from a major piece of state ceremonial. It was the sort of event at which the British excel – an immaculate display of military choreography but with an accessible, human touch – and the audience left reassured that defence was in good hands. Meanwhile, decisions were being made in Whitehall that ensured that Britain would be relegated to the second division of military capability…