Britain must “move away” from its reliance on the United States for defence and security, MPs and peers have warned amid continued transatlantic tensions.
In a report published on Friday, Parliament’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) said the UK should continue to collaborate with the US “where practical”, but warned the Government should prepare for a “worst-case scenario” in which Europe could no longer rely on US support in a crisis.
The committee said the UK should plan to transition to a more European-led Nato and “move away from a bilateral relationship with the United States that is so dependent on the latter”. Britain currently relies on US support in several key areas, including maintenance of its Trident nuclear missiles, intelligence sharing and major projects such as the F35 fighter jet and Aukus submarine deal with Australia.
JCNSS chairman and Labour MP Matt Western said: “The unpredictability of the US relationship is a growing concern. The UK’s deep dependence on the US for security guarantees has a long history, and the partnership will outlast prime ministers and presidents alike. But the UK needs a clear plan to move away from some areas of strategic reliance to ensure the UK can pursue its national interest.”
As well as creating a more European-focused Nato, the committee recommended the Government pursue stronger relations with “middle powers” such as Australia, India and Canada. Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the JCNSS was “completely right”, adding: “With a tyrant on Europe’s doorstep, we must urgently move away from a dangerous overreliance on US defence infrastructure and stand shoulder to shoulder with our closest allies and friends.”
