Labour's Defence Shambles — The Minister Who Walked Away Speaks Out

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carnes made headlines when he followed Defence Secretary John Healey out the door — and now he's telling us exactly why. In a frank and at times fiery exchange with Julia Hartley-Brewer, Carnes lays bare the uncomfortable truth: Britain is preparing for the last war, not the next one, and the Treasury's refusal to meaningfully fund defence is leaving this country dangerously exposed.With Russia on the march, threats multiplying in the Middle East, and intelligence agencies warning of potential attack by 2030, Carnes argues that national security must become the central, cohering function of government — not an afterthought buried beneath fiscal rules. He also clashes head-on with Julia over welfare reform, the two-child benefit cap, youth unemployment, and whether Nigel Farage and Reform are offering real solutions or simply selling umbrellas in a storm of their own making.Then, veteran broadcaster and journalist Andrew Neil delivers his characteristically sharp verdict on the government's social media ban — sceptical, probing, and cutting straight to the heart of who's really responsible for protecting children online. He also takes aim at Keir Starmer's hollow posturing on the world stage, questions whether Andy Burnham is remotely ready for Number 10, and pays tribute to the late Roy Hattersley — a politician from an era when serious people did serious politics.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.