The Prime Minister Theresa May has signalled her intention for Britain to maintain close security ties with Europe following the triggering of Article 50 next week by signing a new defence pact with Germany.
Mrs May is keen to stress to other EU leaders that Britain will continue to play a significant role and cooperate on defence issues such as training, cyber security and maritime patrols.
The Ministry of Defence said it was working with Germany on a “joint vision statement on future co-operation”.
Speaking to the Financial Times, the German defence ministry commented: “Independent of the effects of Brexit, Great Britain remains a strong partner and ally in NATO and also bilaterally.”
Last week, President Trump criticised German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, following her visit to the White House for a failure to increase spending on defence and leaving a heavy burden on the United States to ensure security in Europe.
NATO members are required to spend a minimum of 2% of their GD on defence but only five NATO members – the United States, Greece, UK, Estonia and Poland – meet this obligation. Germany currently spends only 1.19%.
Mr Trump urged other NATO members to increase their defence spending as he announced he would increase America’s spending.
image © Charlie Bard / Shutterstock.com
If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here
Angela Merkel Article 50 Brexit cyber security Germany NATO President Trump Theresa May UK United States
Post written by: Matt Brown
RELATED ARTICLES
November 8, 2024
Homeland - Landmark UK-Germany defence agreement
A landmark defence agreement has been signed by Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in
November 7, 2024
Homeland - UK to support NATO space launch capabilities and artillery supplies
Defence Secretary agrees to range of initiatives from boosting ease of access to space and virtual training to developing cutting-edge
