WHITE FLAG? on the state of the UK’s armed forces, was published in October 2018. Written with the co-operation of the Ministry of Defence, it was the subject of a newspaper bidding war, and was serialised over three days in the Daily Mail.

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A review in the Sunday Times newspaper described the book as: “an absolutely gripping, sit-up-and-listen, no-holds-barred investigation of British military clout.”

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“This is the sort of stuff our political leaders, of whichever stripe, should be telling us, but don’t. That it often makes uncomfortable reading is a tribute to the clarity and honesty of its analysis.” 

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Reviews

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Politicians may reflect that their role is to shape opinion, rather than be led by it. If there are those in public life who believe that Britain's defence requires more funding, they must step up and make the case; this book gives them plenty of ammunition. (Defence Viewpoints)

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White Flag? is an absolutely gripping, sit-up-and-listen, no-holds-barred investigation of British military clout. This is the sort of stuff our political leaders, of whichever stripe, should be telling us, but don't. That it often makes uncomfortable reading is a tribute to the clarity and honesty of its analysis, a bracing change from the routine assurances our political masters dole out about our armed forces, despite rounds of savage defence cuts since the 1980s. (The Times)

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A highly readable and constantly interesting account of how our armed forces function today and what they could be missing. This book is an urgent reminder to all of us to think hard about new threats that are developing rapidly. It is essential reading for anyone concerned about the future defence of Britain, and should be recommended for those under the illusion that they need not be concerned. (William Hague)

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Britain needs to read this book before it's too late. (Andy McNab)

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If ever there were a time when the UK needed a clear national strategy with strong armed forces at its heart, it is today. Yet, as this excellent book makes disturbingly clear, the opposite is true: we have no strategy and weakening armed forces. Thought-provoking and highly readable, this book shows how we have reached this nadir and what must now be done to rectify it. At stake is the protection of our way of life in a very troubled world. I commend White Flag? equally to defence professionals and interested laymen. (General the Lord Richards GCB CBE DSO)

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This book will change the way you think about our country's defence. (Captain Johnny Mercer)

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This is an essential book at a crucial time. It needs to be read by anyone who cares about the UK's security and prosperity and about our children's prospects in the twenty-first century. The book establishes the battered state of the UK's armed forces and why they cannot now defend our homeland or secure our vital interests. It shows we must now choose: either innovate and pay to transform the armed forces to do the job we ask of them, or accept that the UK will rely on luck and the benevolence of our opponents to exist in a much more challenging world. (General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE)

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A no-holds-barred investigation of our perilously shrinking military. (Sunday Times Magazine)

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White Flag? offers a refreshing independent analysis of the state of the armed forces, free of the inter-service rivalries that can undermine analysis on this subject. The authors have a unique insight into the political wrangling over defence and how this affects the military. While giving praise where it is due, the authors reveal the dysfunction at the heart of political decision-making on military matters and explore the huge challenges faced by the Ministry of Defence. They show how politicians of all parties, believing there are no votes in defence, have consistently underfunded the armed forces in the hope that they will only ever engage in wars of choice. In a straightforward and highly readable style, this book explains why defence cannot be taken for granted. (James Glancy CGC)

White Flag? shines a light on a very worrying situation. This book must be read by anyone interested in defence issues and the security of our country, professional or otherwise. (Lieutenant General [Retired] Sir Freddie Viggers, former Adjutant General and Black Rod)