Britain must prepare its population to make sacrifices to prioritise defence and national security amid growing global threats, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker has warned.

Axar.az reports, citing The Telegraph, that Walker made the remarks while addressing troops at Catterick Garrison on Thursday. He said political leaders would soon need to have a “frank conversation” with the public about the risks facing the country and the role citizens must play in strengthening national defence.

Walker warned that the world was facing “extreme jeopardy” and stressed the need for Britain to be prepared to fight.

The warning comes amid debate over increasing defence spending ahead of the UK’s October 28 Budget. The government is expected to face a £4.7 billion shortfall in its Defence Investment Plan.

Military officials have repeatedly warned that the armed forces face capability and personnel shortages amid growing threats from Russia, Iran and China.

Walker’s predecessor, General Sir Patrick Sanders, said in 2024 that citizens could be called up if Britain went to war, although former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak subsequently ruled out conscription.