BRITAIN'S 'NOT EQUIPPED FOR ALL OUT WAR'

Shock report urges immediate action to bolster defences. Public fear world conflict could break out in next five years

- David Williamson and Jonathan Walker

BRITAIN'S military firepower is too weak to fight a prolonged war, a shock report reveals today.

Ministers have been told our weapons stockpile is "far below" the level required to counter with certainty a threat from the Russian army.

Experts also warn that overstretched troops are unprepared for high-intensity battles because they struggle to get the training they need.

A powerful committee of MPs declares: "The Government risks being unable to build true war fighting and strategic readiness because of the sheer pace of operations, which could threaten the security of the UK."

A report by the Commons defence select committee calls for urgent action to address munitions and personnel shortages.

It starkly warns there is little time to lose as "storm clouds" gather on the horizon, as Russia and Iran flex their military might with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Eight out of 10 people fear a Third World War will break out within the next five years, according to an exclusive Sunday Express poll today.

It shows most Britons agree that our defences are ill-equipped to fight in a global conflict.

Nearly half of them want a return of some form of national service to combat the military recruitment crisis.

The defence committee says Britain's Armed Forces are losing personnel faster than they can be recruited and there is alarm over shrinking munitions stockpiles. Last night Tory and Labour MPs said their 72-page report should serve as a "wake up call" to the Government.

Committee chairman Tory MP Sir Jeremy Quin urged ministers to give "intense focus" to the country's readiness for an "all-out, prolonged war". Fellow committee member and former Labour defence minister Kevan Jones called on the Government to "lift the veil of secrecy it has put in place to hide the truth and be clear with the British people about our Armed Forces' limitations".