Theresa May: I want a 'bold, new security partnership with the EU' after Brexit
2 min read
Theresa May will today commit the UK to establishing a "bold, new security partnership with the EU" after Brexit.
The Prime Minister will say the threats posed by terrorism, cyber-crime, illegal migration and Russian aggression mean continuing military co-operation is crucial.
Speaking as she visits 800 British troops leading a Nato mission in Estonia, Mrs May will say: "The threats we face as Europeans are increasing in their scale and complexity. Now more than ever it is in all our interests to confront them together.
"With the largest defence budget in Europe, a far-reaching diplomatic network, world-class security, intelligence and law enforcement services, and our position at the heart of Nato, the UK’s role in Europe’s defence has never been more vital.
"As we prepare for Brexit, I want to build a bold, new security partnership with the EU. A partnership that reflects our shared history, promotes our common values, and maintains a secure and prosperous Europe."
Mrs May will also pledge that Nato will remain "the bedrock of our collective security".
She will add: "We will continue to work with our Nato allies, our European neighbours and the EU, to support a future partnership of unprecedented breadth and depth, that will guarantee the security and stability of the continent for generations to come."
Her comments come just days after Jeremy Corbyn again refused to commit to providing UK military help to a Nato ally invaded by Russia.
In an interview with CNN, the Labour leader said: "The Nato charter asks for acts of solidarity and support. It is not necessarily military; it can be diplomatic. It can be economic. It can be a lot of things. What I want is dialogue between Nato and Russia."
But Defence Secretary Michael Fallon hit back: "Jeremy Corbyn’s comments put our security and the security of our Eastern European allies at risk at a time of growing Russian aggression and international threats."
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