Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told allies from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan they needed to “defend ourselves against the growing threats from hostile actors” at the G7.
Ms Truss spoke to the new German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock about the “need to stand up to autocratic regimes that threaten the free world”, and unity in the face of Russia’s “threat” to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson’s popularity as PM has slumped to an all-time low as G7 ministers meet in Liverpool to discuss Russia, a YouGov survey has found.
Less than a quarter of people have a favourable view of Mr Johnson, while 66 per cent said they hold a negative opinion of him, according to the pollster. It comes amid numerous crises engulfing his government, including allegations that several Christmas parties were held at Downing Street last year during lockdown.
A Conservative peer has said that his ministerial colleagues are “definitely” speaking about how to oust the PM. “Boris, more than anyone, knows his position depends on being seen as an electoral asset,” Lord Barwell said. “If over time that goes, he really is in trouble.”
