The UK has been snubbed by the US, after it referred to the European Union as an “indispensable partner” in a key defence document – but made no mention of Britain. In the US Government’s National Security Strategy, published on October 12, the Biden-Harris administration said: “The EU — an integrated market of over 450 million people — is an indispensable partner, and we support efforts to foster EU unity.” The document made no mention of the US’s ties with Britain, despite the two countries traditionally having a “special relationship”.
But giving evidence to the Defence Select Committee today, Ben Wallace denied that the lack of mention in the document was indicative of a change in the relationship.
He said: “We are very much still seen as a very close European ally on defence and NATO.
“We are one of the biggest contributors to NATO.”
He said the two countries have a “unique relationship”, adding: “I’ve seen nothing in action or word in my meetings to indicate that Britain has lost that key position.”
Mr Wallace also said that the UK “contributed” to the document and was asked for advice on the document “throughout the process”.
But Richard Drax, a member of the Defence Select Committee, said it was “very strange” that the UK was not mentioned.
He added: “Without the US, we would be naked in the conference chamber. They are crucial to us, as you say we are crucial to them.
“So I am surprised – and surprised you’re not surprised – that we are not mentioned in it.”
“I’m very passionate that defence is moving back up the priority list, back towards cold war levels of where we should be.
“My point is, during the cold war people accepted defence spending as being a government spending priority.
“But In today’s world, every political party talks about protecting the NHS, it lurks around far too low.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not committed to spending 3 percent of GDP on defence despite his predecessor Liz Truss doing so.
Mr Sunak previously described the figure as being “arbitrary” but also said he believed in “investing in our armed forces” during his campaign to be the leader of the Conservative Party over the summer.
The UK currently spends just over 2 percent of GDP each year on defence.