NATO alone will not cut it as US reliability weakens, says IPPR

In advance of the NATO summit, Laura Chappell, associate director at IPPR, said:

“Andy Burnham faces an immediate challenge in filling the hole in the defence budget, but the UK’s security problems do not stop there. As leaders gather for the NATO summit, we also need to ask whether NATO should remain the foundation of British security in the world we now face.  

“NATO and the transatlantic alliance still matter. But the UK can no longer build its security strategy around old assumptions about US reliability. In a more unstable world, we need to look beyond Washington and build stronger alliances closer to home.

“Europe should be at the heart of that shift. Burnham should build much closer ties with European allies, including through leadership in a new European defence alliance -- as part of a broader security strategy that makes us less exposed, more resilient and better able to protect our interests.”

ENDS

Laura Chappell is available for interview  

CONTACT

Rosie Okumbe, digital and media officer: 07825 185421 r.okumbe@ippr.org  

NOTES TO EDITORS

IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org