Grant Shapps: The World Is Moving from a Post-War to a Pre-War Era—Britain Must Act

In a compelling interview, former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps reflects on the Coalition for Global Prosperity’s latest report, which underscores the urgent need for Britain to play an active role in global security and development. Shapps revisits his Lancaster House speech from a year ago, warning that the world is shifting from a post-war era to a pre-war era—not because conflict is inevitable, but because failure to invest in stability could lead to dire consequences.

He argues that Britain’s defense and development budgets are critical tools for global stability, ensuring that crises abroad do not escalate into threats at home. Touching on NATO spending, Shapps supports increasing defense investment, warning that delays in meeting the UK’s 2.5% target put national security at risk. He challenges the current government’s approach, stressing that strategic defense spending today will save far greater costs in the future.

This conversation reinforces the Coalition for Global Prosperity’s mission: a secure and prosperous world requires leadership, foresight, and investment in both defense and development.