Richard Williams OBE, GUEST SPEAKER EVENT

In February 2022, the geopolitical landscape of Europe changed forever. As Russia launched the first war of conquest on the continent since 1945, the then-Defence Secretary issued a stark warning: "UK defence is not fit for purpose."

Four years on from that pivotal moment, where do we stand?

We are delighted to welcome Lt Col (Rtd) Richard Williams OBE to the Club for an incisive briefing on the state of our national security. Drawing on decades of experience at the very highest levels of military and diplomatic planning, Richard will take stock of the progress made since 2022.

What to Expect

Richard will provide a "state of the nation" overview, sketching through:

· Our New Alliances: How the UK is repositioning itself on the global stage.

· Force & Equipment: A candid look at our front-line capabilities and deployments.

· Adversary Tactics: What our rivals have been up to while the West recalibrates.

· The Special Relationship: A deep dive into UK-US defence links, explaining why these bonds remain as critical to Washington as they are to London.

About the Speaker

Lt Col (Rtd) Richard Williams OBE brings a wealth of "inside the room" perspective. His 30-year career spanned the RAF and Reserve Army, with operations in Lebanon, Somalia, the Gulf, and the Balkans.

His credentials include three years in the Pentagon (USAF War Plans) and a mobilization into the Cabinet Office for Gulf War II. He has served as Deputy High Representative of Bosnia under Lord Paddy Ashdown and has briefed both the House of Commons Defence Committee and the US Embassy.

TICKETS:

Members: 15, Guests: £20

There is a two course club supper available afterwards for £22.50

TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE