Conor Wilson

My name is Conor Wilson, an ex-Army Captain who has recently began a new career as a freelance journalist.

I have recently completed my NCTJ and have spent time working for The Times, The Sunday Times and the South West Londoner during this time.

I have a passion for defence, geopolitics and sport.

Defence

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

Express.co.uk • 30th October 2024

Rachel Reeves is doing the bare minimum - £3bn doesn't prepare our Armed Forces

A £3 billion cash injection into the armed forces announced by Rachel Reeves in today’s budget will do little to address the problems the military faces.

Express.co.uk • 9th October 2024

Armed Forces cause Rachel Reeves rethink on private school VAT policy

Rachel Reeves is considering amending adding VAT to private school fees following backlash by the armed forces community.

Express.co.uk • 7th October 2024

Israel's war in the Middle East - what happens now and where does it end

Israel's war in the Middle East has been raging for exactly a year, but where does it end? The short answer is, it doesn’t, not really..

Express.co.uk • 1st October 2024

Putin humiliated as Russia loses huge 38,000 troops in month during Ukraine war

Russia lost an astonishing 38,000-plus soldiers in September as the intense pressure continues to mount on Vladimir Putin and his floundering Ukraine war plans.

Express.co.uk • 25th September 2024

Veterans community blasts Keir Starmer for focusing on wrong issues

Keir Starmer has vowed to ensure that all veterans have a "roof over their head" by removing barriers to social housing.

Express.co.uk • 10th September 2024

'I'm an ex-soldier - Argentina would not be able to reclaim the Falklands'

In April, Argentina signed a $300million (£229m) deal with Denmark that will see the country receive 24 F-16 fighter jets, but it does not mean that alarm bells should be ringing around Whitehall.

Express.co.uk • 3rd September 2024

Labour warned as Israel arms exports row a 'reminder of past betrayals'

The timing of Labour’s announcement that it would be halting arms export licences to Israel has been condemned as “terrible” and “politically naive”.

Express.co.uk • 26th August 2024

British soldier killed in Russian missile strike pictured for first time

A former British soldier has been pictured for the first time after being killed in a Russian missile attack on a hotel in Ukraine.

Express.co.uk • 23rd August 2024

I'm an ex-soldier - Labour need to allow Ukraine to take the fight to Putin

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is completely right in calling for the UK to do more to help in its fight against Russia.

Express.co.uk • 21st August 2024

Russia loses 1,200 men in a single day as Putin faces humiliation in Kursk

The Russian Army has lost more than 56,000 soldiers in the last three mo

Express.co.uk • 14th August 2024

I'm an ex-soldier - this will be Ukraine's 5-point plan to pummel Russia

Ukraine has launched its biggest counter offensive since Russia first invaded, with kamikaze drone strikes on two major airfields being the latest blow to Putin's forces.

Express.co.uk • 14th August 2024

Keir Starmer risks voter fury over fears Labour could slash Armed Forces budget

The Labour Party has been issued a stark warning over claims Sir Keir Starmer could slash millions from the Armed Forces' budget.

Express.co.uk • 8th August 2024

'I'm an ex soldier - 3 things the UK would do if Iran and Israel went to war'

The prospect of war between Israel and the Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah looks if not inevitable, then highly likely following an escalation in the ongoing conflict in recent weeks.

Express.co.uk • 5th August 2024

I'm an ex-soldier - rioting yobs are using patriotism as a cover for chaos

Patriotism is defined as “showing love for your country and being proud of it” but perhaps the definition should be extended to include doing something to improve the country you claim to love.

Express.co.uk • 27th July 2024

I'm an ex-soldier - the British Army must make one change to keep soldiers safe

I have caught soldiers in Tesco wearing uniform - not through necessity but through a desire to peacock in a futile attempt to impress strangers.

Express.co.uk • 26th July 2024

Starmer slammed over Labour veterans 'snub' after Johnny Mercer's 'hard work'

The founder of a veterans’ employment community has said that care for British veterans is in the best place it has ever been, as Labour face criticism over their decision to relegate the veterans’ office from Cabinet, in what is seen by some as a snub by new PM Sir Keir Starmer

Express.co.uk • 23rd July 2024

Fury as homes of soldiers guarding Royal Family invaded by giant rats

British soldiers guarding the Royal Family are living in rat infested accommodation at Windsor Castle.

Troops from the Welsh Guards are tasked with standing guard and performing ceremonial duties but when not working, are having to put up with the unwanted rodents, with some being bitten as they sleep.

Express.co.uk • 22nd July 2024

Army boost as soldiers to get new high-tech kit with lasers and drones

British soldiers have put high-tech body warn technology through its paces as they seek to modernise their capabilities on the battlefield.

Forces Network • 11th July 2024

For as long as it takes: Starmer to pledge unwavering support for Ukraine in Nato speech

Sir Keir Starmer will use his speech at the NATO summit to pledge the UK's commitment to "doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes".

Forces Network • 10th July 2024

Australian trailblazers become first to complete intense Royal Navy nuclear course

Three Royal Australian Navy officers have become the first in their service's history to qualify in the UK as nuclear engineers, following nine months of intensive training delivered by the Royal Navy.

Forces News • 10th July 2024

Sunak appoints former Royal Navy officer as shadow veterans' minister

Royal Navy veteran Andrew Bowie has been appointed as the shadow minister for veterans' affairs, despite the Government dropping the post from its newly formed Cabinet.

The Enhance • 4th March 2024

Intercepted top-secret German meeting gives NATO another headache it could do without

With its weekly self-inflicted shot in the foot, NATO voluntarily affords Putin the cover to operate with freedom of manoeuvre, allowing him to push further than he otherwise would dare and giving him hope that infighting within NATO offers him a path to victory.

The Sunday Times • 28th January 2024

Are today’s civilians fit enough to go to war?

President Putin has visited Europe, generals are talking about national service and, once more, Britain is asking itself if it is ready for war. But set aside the dwindling ammunition stockpiles, the chronic shortage of fighter jets or the two sleeping aircraft carriers in Portsmouth harbour; what about the nation’s people?