British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting called Thursday for closer US-UK cooperation, underscoring the importance of their alliance and NATO in safeguarding transatlantic security amid emerging challenges.
– “There has rarely been a more important time for Britain and America to come together to think boldly and to act decisively,” Streeting said during an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank in Washington, DC.
– He emphasized the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries, drawing on the lessons of their shared history and the role of transatlantic cooperation in maintaining peace and stability.
– Recalling the establishment of NATO after World War II, Streeting said US security “could not be separated from the security of Europe.”
– “The cost of defending peace today can be far smaller than the price of restoring it tomorrow,” he said, urging allies to draw lessons from history as they confront emerging challenges.
– He also highlighted the need for NATO members to adapt to changes in modern warfare, including the growing use of artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities and autonomous weapons.
– He argued that military strength increasingly depends on innovation, rapid production and the ability to deliver affordable, effective equipment to armed forces.
– Streeting also said the UK would contribute to European defense primarily through NATO, stressing that Britain had an important leadership role to play while noting that the UK was already stepping up.