Britain must urgently bolster its international alliances to "Trump-proof" its security and economy against potential upheaval in American policy, a senior Labour figure has declared.
In a significant intervention, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy argued that the UK can no longer rely solely on the "special relationship" with the United States. He emphasised the need for a strategic "rebalancing" towards European and global partners to ensure stability, particularly if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
A Warning from the Opposition
Mr Lammy's comments signal a major shift in foreign policy thinking should Labour form the next government. He pointed to Donald Trump's previous questioning of NATO's collective defence clause as a primary concern, highlighting the existential threat such a stance poses to European security, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.
"We have to Trump-proof our institutional arrangements," Lammy stated, underscoring the necessity of preparing for an era of American isolationism.
The European Pillar of a New Strategy
The cornerstone of this new approach would be a concerted effort to mend and strengthen the UK's relationship with the European Union. While ruling out a return to the single market or customs union, Lammy outlined ambitious goals for a deeper security pact with the EU.
This would include:
- Enhanced cooperation on defence and intelligence sharing.
- A new UK-EU security pact to complement NATO.
- Closer coordination on sanctions and foreign policy objectives.
"The answer to the challenge of Trumpism is a much better relationship with the European Union," Lammy asserted, framing it as a pragmatic necessity rather than an ideological choice.
Looking Beyond Washington and Brussels
Lammy's vision extends beyond Europe. He advocates for a "progressive realism" that would see the UK deepen ties with other democratic nations and key global players. This includes:
- Re-engaging with the Commonwealth to foster new trade and diplomatic links.
- Strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to counterbalance Chinese influence.
- Working more closely with international bodies on climate change and economic stability.
The message is clear: in an increasingly volatile world, the UK's resilience depends on a diverse and robust network of alliances, ensuring it is never held hostage to the political winds of any single capital, be it Washington or elsewhere.
