What the UK should do in defence of Ukraine and Europe

 

The UK, being one of Europe’s few full-spectrum military powers, is urged to take a leading role in defending Ukraine, as the region is central to its security and economic interests. The article outlines five key priorities for the UK to support this effort:

1. Increased Defence Spending: The UK must commit to spending 2.5% of GDP on defense by the next financial year, with a long-term plan for further increases. This would reorient defense priorities from counterterrorism to the conventional military challenges posed by state actors like Russia.

2. European Defence Cooperation: The UK should emphasize defense collaboration with European nations, particularly in joint military capabilities and the development of defense industries. This will require a collective shift to address shared geopolitical risks.

3. Contributing to a Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine: While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated a willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine, challenges remain in terms of troop numbers, recruitment, and retention. The UK must overcome manpower concerns and foster cooperation with other European military forces, especially France, as Poland has ruled out participation.

4. Fiscal Solutions for Defence: The UK must lead discussions on how to fund increased defense spending, potentially through innovative financial mechanisms such as defense bonds or pooled borrowing. This will require careful planning to avoid escalating interest rates.

5. Maintaining a ‘Bridge’ Role Between the US and Europe: Despite a growing rift between the US and Europe, the UK must continue to balance relations with both, maintaining its role as a bridge. This could be challenging, as future political shifts in Europe and the unpredictability of the Trump administration may force the UK to make difficult choices between aligning more closely with the US or Europe.

The article concludes that the UK must take proactive steps to support Ukraine’s defense while strengthening its own defense capabilities and working closely with European allies. This shift is crucial for the UK’s strategic position and the stability of the European continent.