Cutting funding for cadets would limit youngsters' futures

ANNOUNCED last summer, the Strategic Defence Review is about to report back.

- Andrew Southam

And amid a rush to re-arm in an increasingly hostile world, there are concerns the MoD might sacrifice its long-standing financial commitments to Britain's Sea, Air, Army and Royal Marines cadets corps. Such a short-sighted move would be a blow to tens of thousands of young people and would further risk the future defence of Britain.

A staggering 1.4 million children and young people had mental health issues in 2022-3; nearly a million 16 to 24-year-olds are today unemployed or not in training or education; and our 15 to 17-year-olds are the most obese in Europe. Generation Z also appears the most unpatriotic ever, with only half prepared to fight for Britain, a recent survey found.

Cadet forces up and down the country prepare young people to face modern life with confidence. Some will go on to enlist in the military and enjoy rewarding careers. Others will take the skills they have learned into the civilian workplace.

This has been the case now for nearly a century and a half. Jonathan Peel, younger brother of the founder of British policing Sir Robert, first suggested cadet units in 1859 while secretary of state for war, fearing the number of troops being sent to India had left the British Isles dangerously exposed.