EU grandees should swallow satisfaction and axe anti-UK transfer in the event that they’re critical about defence | Politics | News | EUROtoday

European leaders are at No.10 in the present day to proclaim unity over Ukraine. There will probably be flags, agency handshakes, heat phrases, and speak of standing collectively towards Russian aggression. But behind the stagecraft is a reality too many try to disregard: Europe desires Britain’s power with out permitting Britain a say in shaping the continent’s defence. Only days in the past, the EU shut the door on the UK’s involvement in its €150 billion rearmament programme — the SAFE fund. In the center of a conflict on European soil, Brussels determined that its personal political satisfaction mattered greater than sooner weapons for Ukraine or a stronger European arsenal.

If the EU really cared about defending Europe, Britain could be on the coronary heart of the plan. Few if any European international locations ship navy punch just like the UK — whether or not it’s Royal Navy warships confronting Russian provocation, British factories ramping up ammunition manufacturing, or British troops reinforcing NATO’s frontline.

And let’s not neglect Britain’s impartial nuclear deterrent, with operational management – opposite to some populist remark – residing solely with the PM and his authorities. Only the French can boast one thing comparable.

Instead, Brussels demanded billions simply to enter the room and tried to cap British involvement so EU business stays protected. At a second when Ukraine is combating for survival, the EU selected to play commerce politics.

That is just not technique. It is small-minded protectionism dressed up as safety coverage. Which brings us to in the present day’s assembly. Europe will gladly avail itself of Britain’s intelligence, our diplomatic muscle, our support packages, our jets and missiles.

But in terms of planning the weapons Europe will depend on for many years to return? Suddenly Britain is handled like an outsider. Unity that ends when the cash is mentioned is just not unity in any respect.

Britain backs Ukraine as a result of it’s proper — morally, strategically and traditionally. We perceive defence is an obligation, not a bargaining chip or an financial transaction for monetary achieve. But Europe should now determine whether or not it really desires to be defended — or merely to look as if it’s.

Speeches don’t deter tanks. Procurement does. And excluding one of many strongest defence powers in Europe makes the continent weaker, not stronger.

Britain is able to assist construct the longer term safety of Europe. The query is whether or not Brussels can put politics apart lengthy sufficient to just accept the assistance.

Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a political and defence commentator and former military officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk