Express & Star comment: Gavin is right, Russia is the big threat
It has become increasingly clear in recent months where the biggest threat to Britain's security is likely to emanate from.
As Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has pointed out, Russia has made a series of worrying moves that appear to be geared towards causing maximum disruption to European nations, including the UK.
In terms of military power, few can match its might.
It is not just traditional forms of warfare that are causing concern at the Ministry of Defence.
Yes, the Kremlin has ramped up sea and air activity against the UK. Indeed, Russian naval ships have been intercepted in British waters on more than one occasion in recent months.
And we are reliably informed that Russian submarine activity in the Atlantic has been at its highest since the Cold War.
But perhaps more worrying is the enemy that we cannot see.
Threat
Russia is spending heavily on its intelligence capabilities, increasing the threat of espionage.
While the threat of Putin launching missiles at the UK does not bear thinking about, neither does the idea that Russia could seriously damage our infrastructure.
By destroying power stations and underground cables, an enemy would be able to wreck our communications networks and electricity supplies.
Any moves to target hospitals and care homes could quite easily cause mass deaths.
As you would expect, Russia has hit back at these claims from Mr Williamson, describing his fear of Russian activities as belonging in a children's comic book or an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus.
But anyone who considers the Defence Secretary's words as being alarmist, should bear in mind that he has been backed by the highly regarded former First Sea Lord and security minister Lord West.
And the chief of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, recently said that Russia had already staged attacks against Britain's media, telecommunications and energy sectors over the past year.
Mortal danger
It brings the issue of potential cuts to defence spending into sharp focus.
Mr Williamson has won his first battle with the Treasury by securing a separate review into the defence budget.
But his work is by no means over.
The less than impressive Chancellor Philip Hammond must realise that by signing off on any military cuts he is placing this country in mortal danger.
Where Russia is concerned, the threat is real.
