Germany leaves UK in dust in addressing Russian threat

As British 'patriots' obsess over flags, our European allies are taking real military steps to confront Putin, writes Sam Kiley

- Sam Kiley

Operation Raise the Colours has swelled the nation with pride as motorists flash under bridges and pedestrians doff their flat caps to England’s red cross and the union flag. By jingo, it’s been fun. For those who see the world through Commando Comics and the redcoat glory of Michael Caine’s heroics in Zulu.

Strange, then, that the nostalgists of Britain's right wing are not queuing outside recruitment centres clamouring to join a real army as their country is already in a hybrid war that could turn outright within months. Germany's on the march, though. If that phrase sends a jolt through anyone, it's because they're looking in the wrong direction. Britain, and the rest of Europe, is facing the greatest threat to its democratic way of life and to the landmass that sustains it since 1945.

But in Britain, the loudest “patriots” campaign against immigrants who are here because they want to share in the glories of Britannia, but are silent on defending Britain against Russia, which wants to smash the place to bits. The UK is being left behind as its allies in Europe are fast waking up to the fact that history is being thrust upon them by what Vladimir Putin is doing in Ukraine and what he has telegraphed he wants to do to the rest of Eastern Europe.