We Need a Public Debate about Defence

How reassuring to read in Sundays Telegraph that although Michael Fallon has no experience of defence he finds battle field detail "fascinating" and that he has his finger on the trigger, 24/7.  He is reluctant to accept that the MOD is at threat from further budget cuts and he will be "fighting his corner."  He concedes that the public want money spent on schools and hospitals so good luck in that negotiation with George Osborne.  He thinks the size of our Armed Forces is "probably about right."  To which I think we are entitled to ask, about right for what?  It was gratifying to hear that the RAF has been intercepting Russian air forces testing our air defences but that does not really amount to a defence policy.  Perhaps the MOD Press Office who, presumably, helpfully provided all the puff for the Sunday Telegraph article, could enlighten us?  Then, perhaps, we may have an intelligent debate about national security objectives and the required level of forces to ensure them.