“We will continue to be a leading member of NATO, we will continue to be a leading defence nation, and we will continue to contribute in a whole variety of ways across nuclear, cyber, and conventional capabilities.”
Britain would be powerless to deter Russian aggression, because he doesn’t see upholding peace and security in Europe – let alone the world – to be part of his job.
Plus: Erdogan, Putin and Rouhani meet at the Three Wise Monkeys Summit – hear no evil, see no evil…and evil. Guess which is which.
“We have led the way in securing tough sanctions against the Russian economy…We must now stand ready to take much more extensive measures.”
Last month, he told the Defence Select Committee that Russia has ousted terrorism from the top of the national threat list – which has big spending implications.
After years of defence cuts and maybe more to come, we must ask whether the Armed Forces are properly equipped to keep Britain safe.
“If the priority becomes avoiding new cooperation with a country outside the EU, then this will have damaging real world consequences for the security of all our people.”
Throughout the Cold War there were many good people on the Left who held to what was right. Then there were people like Corbyn and Milne.
Brexit has transformed the context in which we plan our security. Commitments to our European neighbours and Global Britain require more money.
That means defending NATO from encroachment by an EU army, and supporting Central and Eastern European countries in staying out of the Euro.
The challenge for aid donors and recipients alike is to work together to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
The new Defence Secretary’s rawness may make him more likely to dig in against the Treasury than otherwise – precisely because he has a point to prove.
Williamson must ensure that our Armed Forces have enough troops, that the MoD gets them the equipment they need, and help drive reform in NATO.
The Defence Secretary calls on the Labour leader to reject his youth wing’s position.
As a relatively new Minister at DexEU, I intend to make the positive case for the rich array of opportunities that are to be had as an independent trading nation.