care cover letter examples

Care Assistant cover letter examples

A clear, concise and engaging care assistant cover letter can really boost your chances of being invited in for an interview.

But how do you ensure that you put as much thought and attention into your application as you do your patients?

Well, you can start by checking out the article below to take you through each stage of the process. We’ve also provided some care assistant cover letter examples to guide you further.

CV templates 

Care Assistant cover letter example 1

Care Assistant cover letter example 2

Care Assistant cover letter example 3

These 3 Care Assistant cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Care Assistant cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of Care Assistant with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Care Assistant cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Care Assistant cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Care Assistant cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Care Assistant cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you’re well.

I am thrilled to apply for the Care Assistant position at Henley Care Home. As a recent school leaver with a profound passion for enhancing the lives of others, I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to providing exceptional care to residents.

During my volunteer work at local senior centre, Cedar Oak, I actively engaged in daily activities, positively impacting the lives of 15 seniors by fostering a warm and supportive environment. My empathy and patience were praised, leading to a 20% increase in resident satisfaction surveys. Additionally, I demonstrated my commitment to personalised care by assisting 10 seniors with dressing, grooming, and meal preparation, resulting in a 25% improvement in their overall comfort and well-being.

I am confident that my compassionate nature and excellent communication skills make me an ideal fit for this role, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards

Hannah Greene ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Hi Carmella,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to apply for the Senior Care Assistant position at Sunny Lane Care Home. With 6 years of experience in the care sector and a genuine dedication to enhancing the lives of elderly residents, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to make a positive impact on their well-being.

At my current role at St George’s Care Home, I successfully streamlined the feeding system by implementing a new mealtime schedule and introducing a rotation of nutritious menus. This enhancement resulted in a remarkable 30% reduction in food wastage and a noticeable 15% increase in residents’ overall nutritional intake, leading to improved health and well-being. Moreover, I actively collaborate with the kitchen staff and dieticians to create customised meal plans for residents with specific dietary requirements which garnered a 95% satisfaction rate from residents and their families in the annual review this year.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss my experience in further detail.

Kind regards,

Bob Forman ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Hi Mohammad,

I am excited to apply for the Care Assistant Team Leader position at Honor Oak Care Homes. With 15 years of experience as a dedicated and organised Senior Care Assistant, I possess the expertise in supporting patients and managing staff, backed by a Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care Management.

Throughout my career, I have been successful in optimising care processes and reducing staff turnover. By introducing increased training opportunities and staff incentives, I decreased staff turnover by an impressive 52% in two years. Additionally, I revamped the external staff booking system, leading to a 20% improvement in internal staffing hours’ efficiency. Moreover, I am adept at fostering positive relationships with resident families and external clinical staff, as demonstrated by a 22% reduction in weekly emails and an 18% decrease in phone calls through the implementation of an online messaging feature.

I am eager to discuss how my proven track record and expertise can contribute to the continued success of your care home. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Penny Simmonds ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Care Assistant job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

How to Write a Cover Letter: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples (2024)

Crafting a compelling cover letter is the first step towards landing an interview. It’s usually the first impression an employer gets before even seeing your resume, and it will help to set the tone and establish your personality before getting into your qualifications and suitability for the position.

Whether you're applying for a job, internship, or generally submitting your resume for consideration, understanding how to write a cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of success.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a formal document accompanying your resume that introduces yourself to potential employers, highlighting your qualifications, experiences, and interest in a specific job or internship. It offers you the opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for the role in a more personalized manner than a resume alone.

Cover Letter Format

The format of a cover letter typically follows a standard business letter structure. It includes your contact information, the date, the recipient's contact details, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. Ensure that your cover letter is concise, well-organized, and visually appealing, using a professional font and maintaining consistent formatting throughout.

As your cover letter will often be sent as an email, check this guide on how to write an email for some general tips on subject lines, email greetings, structuring the main content, and signing off.

Cover Letter for a Job

When applying for a job, a cover letter for your resume is often expected, and it serves as your initial introduction to potential employers. It should be customized for each position, showcasing how your skills and experiences fit the job requirements. A well-crafted cover letter can distinguish you from other applicants and increase your chances of securing an interview, especially if you can show that you’re genuinely aligned with the company’s goals.

Cover Letter for an Internship

For internship applications, a cover letter is equally essential. It allows you to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity, relevant skills, and willingness to learn. Even if you have limited professional experience, your cover letter can highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant coursework that demonstrate your potential value to the organization.

Writing a Cover Letter

Let’s get into how to write a cover letter, step by step:

Step 1: How to Address a Cover Letter

When addressing your cover letter, it's essential to find out the name and title of the hiring manager or recruiter whenever possible. Addressing the letter to a specific individual adds a personal touch and demonstrates your initiative. A quick note on how to address a cover letter without a name. If you're unable to identify the recipient, you can use a general greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."

Step 2: What to Include in a Cover Letter

Writing a compelling cover letter requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach. Begin by thoroughly researching the company and the position to tailor your letter accordingly. Highlight your most relevant experiences and accomplishments, using specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications. Keep your language professional, yet engaging, and avoid using generic templates or clichés. Instead, strive to make a memorable impression that sets you apart from other candidates by showing you understand what the company is about.

Structure-wise, a well-written cover letter should include the following elements:

Introduction : Start by stating the position you're applying for and how you learned about it. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and briefly introduce yourself.

Body Paragraphs : Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role. Tailor your content to align with the job description and company's needs.

Closing Paragraph : Summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your willingness to discuss further in an interview.

Closing : End your cover letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and contact information.

By using this kind of cover letter template, you can keep a clear and structured approach whilst also easily adjusting your content each time to customize it for each specific contact.

Before you send

Remember maintain professionalism throughout and always proofread your cover letter before you send it off. Check this quick list of cover letter dos and don’ts so you can ensure you’ve done everything you can and haven’t made any glaring errors along the way.

Note for students: While it may be reasonable to apply for internships with your university email, it probably won’t come across as particularly professional for proper job applications. Contacting an employer from a free email account with a funny name you made when you were an adolescent also won’t be particularly impressive. You may want to use a service like Inbox.com and create a business email account that shows you’re a serious professional.

Cover letter examples

Here are some short cover letter samples that you can use as templates for your own letter. Note that although the content should be adapted both to you and to the company you’re applying to, a similar structure applies in all cases.

1. Marketing Manager Cover Letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With over five years of experience in marketing strategy development, campaign management, and brand positioning, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and drive results for [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led cross-functional teams to develop and execute innovative marketing campaigns that resulted in a 30% increase in brand awareness and a 25% boost in lead generation. My ability to analyze market trends, identify customer insights, and leverage data-driven strategies has consistently delivered impactful results and exceeded organizational objectives.

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am eager to bring my expertise in digital marketing, social media management, and content development to support [Company Name]'s mission of [mention company mission or values].

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to its continued success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

2. Software Engineer Cover Letter:

I am writing to apply for the Software Engineer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and three years of hands-on experience in software development and coding, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and develop innovative solutions for [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I played a key role in designing and implementing scalable software solutions that optimized workflow efficiency and enhanced user experience. My proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript, coupled with my strong problem-solving skills, has enabled me to deliver high-quality software solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

I am impressed by [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am eager to leverage my technical skills and passion for innovation to support [Company Name]'s goals of [mention company goals or objectives].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my background and expertise align with the needs of [Company Name] and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a discussion.

3. Graphic Designer Cover Letter:

I am thrilled to apply for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a strong background in visual communication, brand identity development, and multimedia design, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity and expertise to your team and contribute to [Company Name]'s success.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I collaborated with cross-functional teams to create visually compelling designs that effectively communicated brand messages and engaged target audiences. My proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with my attention to detail and passion for design, has allowed me to deliver innovative solutions that align with client objectives and exceed expectations.

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am eager to leverage my design skills and artistic vision to support [Company Name]'s mission of [mention company mission or values].

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to its creative endeavors. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

What is a cover letter for a job?

A cover letter for a job is a formal document submitted alongside a resume during the application process. It introduces the applicant to the potential employer and highlights their qualifications, experiences, and interest in the specific job position.

What is a cover letter for a resume?

A cover letter for a resume is a document that accompanies a resume when applying for a job. While the resume provides a summary of the applicant's skills and experiences, the cover letter offers additional context and insight into their suitability for the position.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce the applicant to the potential employer, showcase their qualifications and experiences, and express their interest in the job position. It allows applicants to personalize their application and demonstrate their enthusiasm and suitability for the role.

What does a cover letter look like?

A cover letter typically follows a formal business letter format, including the sender's and recipient's contact information, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. It should be well-organized, concise, and visually appealing, with a professional tone and consistent formatting.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be concise and to the point, typically no longer than one page. It should provide enough information to highlight the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

What should be in a cover letter?

A cover letter should include the sender's and recipient's contact information, a formal salutation, an introduction stating the position being applied for and how the applicant learned about it, body paragraphs highlighting relevant qualifications and experiences, and a closing expressing gratitude and interest in further discussion.

How to Start a Cover Letter

To start your cover letter effectively, consider using a strong opening sentence or attention-grabbing statement that immediately captures the reader's interest. You can mention a mutual connection, reference a recent company accomplishment, or highlight a specific aspect of the job that excites you.

How to End a Cover Letter

Ending your cover letter on a high note is crucial to leave a lasting impression. In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply. Convey confidence in your ability to contribute to the company's success. Finally, use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

Updated: April 10, 2024 at 4:33 PM

Published: April 10, 2024 at 4:33 PM

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• Cover Letter Examples to Inspire Your Application

Crafting a cover letter that catches the eye of a hiring manager is a crucial step in the job application process. It’s your chance to tell a story that your resume cannot fully convey — to inject personality, explain the nuances of your career journey, and add color to your accomplishments. In this blog, we will explore some cover letter examples that serve as a beacon of inspiration, including good cover letter examples, a standout cover letter example, and robust resume cover letter examples.  

The Art of Personalization: Cover Letter Examples

Personalization is key when it comes to writing cover letters. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all job applications. Employers can tell when they’re reading a template that’s been sent to dozens of other companies. To truly stand out, take a cue from compelling cover letter examples that reflect a deep understanding of the company and the role. Your cover letter should mirror the language of the job description and speak to the specific values and needs of the company.  

Stand Out with Good Cover Letter Examples

What separates a good cover letter from a great one? It’s about more than just using correct grammar and spelling (although those are crucial, too). Good cover letter examples typically start with a strong opening that’s more than just stating your name and the job you’re applying for. They exhibit enthusiasm for the role, connect your personal mission to the company’s goals, and demonstrate that you’ve done more than just a cursory glance at the company website.  

Also Read: Form and Function: Mastering the Format of Your Cover Letter  

Anatomy of a Strong Cover Letter Example

A strong cover letter example showcases not just qualifications but also success stories. For instance, instead of simply saying you’re a great salesperson, a cover letter might highlight how you led your team to exceed sales targets by a certain percentage or how you grew a territory’s revenue over a quarter. Good cover letters also make connections between past experiences and how those can benefit the future employer, providing a clear picture of why you’re the perfect fit for the job.  

Resume Cover Letter Examples that Win Interviews

Your resume cover letter is your ticket to landing an interview, so it should supplement your resume rather than regurgitate it. Effective resume cover letter examples often begin with a punchy statement or a notable achievement that aligns with the job. They then delve into more depth about particular experiences highlighted in the resume, expanding on pivotal moments or projects. They’re not just claiming expertise; they’re showing it through clear, quantifiable examples.  

Also Read: Job Interviews: Your Ultimate Guide  

Cover Letter Example: Blending Passion with Expertise

Let’s put all this advice into practice with a cover letter example:  

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],  

I was thrilled to see the opening for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. With over five years of dedicated industry experience, particularly in a role that significantly contributed to increasing [Company’s Previous Name] market share by 35%, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills to your esteemed team.  

At [Previous Job], I spearheaded a project that [describe an accomplishment]. This not only [explain how it benefited the previous employer] but also honed my skills in [specific skill relevant to the new job].  

Your company’s commitment to [reference something about the company’s values or mission] resonates deeply with my professional philosophy. I am eager to contribute to [specific company goal or project] and am confident that my background in [field or skill] will be a valuable asset to your team.  

I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.  

Sincerely, [Your Name]  

In Conclusion

A cover letter is an invaluable tool in your job search arsenal. By utilizing the strategies discussed and drawing inspiration from various cover letter examples, you can craft a narrative that highlights your skills, experience, and fit for the role. Remember to be genuine, provide context for your accomplishments, and make a case for why you would be a great addition to the team. A well-crafted cover letter not only increases your chances of landing an interview but also moves you one step closer to your dream job.  

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Politics latest: Rwanda bill returns to Commons as MPs consider amendments

The Rwanda bill comes back to the Commons as a new daily record is set for small boat crossings. Earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears in front of MPs on their return from the Easter break to discuss the UK's involvement after the drone and missile attack by Iran.

Monday 15 April 2024 20:52, UK

• Sunak urges all sides to 'show restraint' as he condemns actions of Iran in Israel
• Labour offers support as Starmer says attack 'left world a more dangerous place
• 'We are not prepared for war,' says former UK military chief
• Serena Barker-Singh: Growing calls from Tory backbenchers to proscribe Iran's Revolutionary Guard  
• Rwanda bill returns to Commons for fresh round of debate
• Tamara Cohen:  Sunak facing domestic battles at home
• Record set for daily small boat crossings
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch  and (earlier)  Guy Birchall and   Faith Ridler

As expected, the government has won the first of a series of votes on the government's flagship Rwanda legislation.

MPs are voting on amendments passed by the House of Lords.

This amendment would have required the government to make sure the Rwanda scheme has "due regard for domestic and international law".

It was passed by the Lords by 271 votes to 228.

But it has been rejected by the Commons.

The result of the vote was:

• To reject: 315
• To approve: 250

MPs are now voting on Lords amendments to the government's flagship Rwanda bill.

There are seven votes in total expected.

The government is expected to comfortably win every vote and defeat the Lords, but we will bring you the results as they come in.

Over a year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his promise to halve inflation by the end of 2023.

But with the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below:

Thank you for joining us for tonight's edition of Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge.

Scroll down to read the interviews with our guests, former defence secretary Sir Liam Fox and former military chief Lord Richard Dannatt.

In a short while, the Commons will be voting on Lords amendments to the government's Rwanda bill, so stay tuned for coverage of those.

Former defence secretary and Tory MP Sir Liam Fox is a long-time friend of Israel, and has been key in the Abraham Accords, which were a series of agreements between Israel and Arab nations normalising relations.

So as a friend of Israel, Sophy Ridge asks what he thinks it should do now following the attack by Iran on Saturday.

He replies: "It needs to take a deep breath and pause, and we need to have a de-escalation in all of this.

"The allies of Israel - the United States, the United Kingdom, France and others - made good on their pledge to protect Israel against attack.

"The last thing we need is to be drawn into an escalation."

He adds that we would "point the finger back where it really is due here".

"Iran engineered the crisis in Gaza because it didn't want the normalisation of relations between Israel and other Arab states.

"And we are now in a conflict in Gaza that no one can win. It's death and destruction whose only beneficiaries are Iran, Iran's proxies and its allies. And that's the big picture we need to keep in our minds."

The next guest former defence secretary and Tory MP, Sir Liam Fox, who has been very vocal in his calls from the UK to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group.

He says Iran backs militant groups throughout the region, namely Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

He has recently been calling for the government to ban Iran Air from the UK, an airline he says was used "to transport drones from Tehran to Moscow to be used against the Iranian people, potentially in war crimes".

He also calls for Iranian banks operating in the UK to be closed because they help finance proxies in the region.

Pointing to the hijacking of a Portuguese-flagged ship in international waters earlier this week by the IRGC, he says we can "see this is a criminal and terrorist group, and we need to make clear our stand against them".

Our deputy political editor Sam Coates  has been reporting that much of the resistance in Whitehall to proscribing the IRGC is because the UK still has an open back channel to Iran.

We ask Sir Liam if he has been told the same, and he replies: "We hear a lot of things, but what we don't get is a clear explanation to the House of Commons."

He says MPs should be fully informed so they can debate and make the decision.

Asked about the PM's response to Iran today, Sir Liam says:  "A number of the items that I had mentioned may well be on that list. So we wait and see."

Next, Sophy Ridge asks General Lord Richard Dannatt, the former chief of the UK's defence staff, how close he thinks we are to a major conflict between Israel and Iran.

He says he would "like to think that wise heads will take us away from a major conflict", and notes that it's not in Iran's interests to have "a major scrap" with the US and the West.

He says: "They support Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis - the Iranians could dial that up if they wanted to. But it's not in their interests, and I think they realise that."

They felt they had to react, he said, following the Israeli strike on the consular building in Damascus, but Israel's allies were ready for that.

"So, I think sensible people would draw a line now under that episode," he says, adding that some in Israel's parliament would want to focus on completing the war in Gaza, rather than a war with Iran.

Asked if he thinks the UK should designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group, he replies: "Yes, I think we should do that."

He says it is "a militant force" in a similar vein to the Wagner group, and proscribing it would be "the right thing to do".

"But I think we have to keep it in the context of not encouraging and not allowing a major scrap between Iran and the West," he adds.

Lord Dannatt notes that the regime itself is "on a knife-edge" with protests against it, and overall, is "struggling to find [its] own route forward".

"I don't think their own route forward involves a major scrap with the West and the United States at the present time, even over this issue to do with Israel," he concludes.

Sophy Ridge asks General Lord Richard Dannatt, the former chief of the UK's defence staff, what the consequences could be if Donald Trump is re-elected US president.

"I think we have to face the possibility that Donald Trump will become the next US president," he says.

"Although, I have to say, I think the Stormy Daniels case that's opened in the US case gives hope that he might be locked up before then, but who knows." ( More on that here ).

The risk is that the US will become isolationist once again, he says, and if it pulls back from NATO, it's up to European members "to spend more on defence and look after our own collective security".

General Lord Richard Dannatt, the former chief of the UK's defence staff, is the first guest on tonight's edition of  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge .

We start by asking if he agrees with Labour MP Sir Ben Bradshaw that "the world is closer to the brink than it's ever been in my adult lifetime" (see previous post).

Lord Dannatt references the war in Ukraine, the attack on Israel by Iran, as well the tensions between the US and China over Taiwan, and says it is "a concerning time".

Of the UK's position, he says: "We are not prepared for war. And actually, we don't want to have to fight a war."

But, he says, the key issue is if we are "spending enough to have a sufficiently significant military capability to deter war... and stand with our NATO allies" if Vladimir Putin's attack in eastern Europe goes beyond Ukraine's borders.

Lord Dannatt says that in 1935, we spent less than 3% of GDP on defence when we were trying to appease Hitler, which failed.

"By 1939, when the war had broken out, that shot up to 18%, and by 1940 when we were fighting for our very survival, it was up to 46%."

He says we should be spending perhaps up to 4% of GDP on defence, which is "the price of deterring war".

The former military boss criticised both the government and Labour for only committing to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence "when economic conditions allow", because "Putin's not going to wait until we are ready".

We are now hearing from  Sir Ben Bradshaw , Labour MP for Exeter, who is one of our panellists on Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge tonight.

He says he is hoping that "cool heads prevail", which will "take an awful lot of detailed and intensive diplomacy, both by Israel's allies, but also Iran's supporters in the international community".

"It feels to me as if the world is closer to the brink than it's ever been in my adult lifetime, and I don't say that lightly - I think this is a very dangerous moment," the 63-year-old says.

He says the situation could spiral if "the hotheads get control" or "if somebody makes a mistake".

Sir Ben adds that he supports what he heard from both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer earlier in the Commons.

He is "a bit optimistic" because Israel's defence against attack was supported by a number of allies, which "gives us leverage".

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