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
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