We are absurdly reluctant to talk about the policies needed to encourage the birth of more children.
Those who want to project force in the Pacific must explain how it would be consistent with maintaining our strength at home and nearer abroad.
Weakening at home and friendless abroad, it finds itself on the back foot – and exposed to its nations’ reliance on EU funds.
David Cameron’s intervention in 2015, at the height of the refugee crisis, shows how a humane but firm approach to migration can work.