British Army in 'Dire State,' Warns Defense Committee Chair

Tobias Ellwood Resigns After Criticism Over Social Media Post

The chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee has said the British Army is in a "dire state," after Sky News revealed a US general had warned that it was no longer a "top-tier fighting force."

Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP and former minister, said the army was "not fit for purpose" and needed to be "urgently overhauled."

Ellwood's comments came after Sky News reported that General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, had told a private meeting of NATO generals that the British Army was "no longer a top-tier fighting force."

Ellwood said Milley's comments were "a wake-up call" for the government and that the army needed to be "properly funded and equipped" to meet the threats of the 21st century.

Ellwood has since resigned from his role as chairman of the Defence Select Committee, after being criticized for posting a video on social media in which he appeared to endorse a far-right group.