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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Bancroft

Why the UK can ‘no longer rely on the US during a crisis’

  • Parliament's Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) has warned the UK to prepare for a "worst-case scenario" where Europe cannot rely on US support for defence.
  • The report cites Donald Trump's unpredictability and past comments as creating "demonstrable areas of tension" that could compromise the reliability of UK-US dependencies, including Trident nuclear missile maintenance and intelligence sharing.
  • The JCNSS recommends the UK move away from its deep defence reliance on America, transition to a more European-led NATO, and invest in relationships with "middle powers" such as Canada, Australia, and India.
  • Chairman Matt Western stressed the necessity for a clear plan to reduce strategic reliance on the US to ensure the UK can pursue its national interests independently.
  • The committee also called for greater transparency on national security issues, including a China audit, and warned that cuts to international development aid are creating opportunities for Russia and China to exploit.

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