The defence debacle just reinforces the image of a caretaker government incapable of taking decisive action. It's got to the point now where no one cares what HMG or politicians say anymore because it's the same old bullshit. Hence part of the attraction of authoritarianism/fascism.
Make it law that the adult children of the top 20% earners, MPs and Lords in the UK will be the first to be conscripted in the infantry in case of war and sent to the frontline after two weeks training. Works for Russian recruits. That should concentrate minds...
In a lot of ways, it feels like they still think of themselves as the opposition or there should be a responsible adult to take decisions for them. They have few convictions and no plan. Voters are tired of caretaker government. They want visible action communicated loudly and clearly.