Trump's Ukraine approach proves the UK must step up to defend a fractured global order
4 min read
At this year’s Munich Security Conference, we witnessed events which have changed the world around us with huge consequences for the UK.
Not just because of the shock that Vice President JD Vance stood in front of us in Germany, of all places, and suggested that democracy had nothing to fear from misinformation. But because he appeared to signal the end of a fundamental pillar of security in the UK and Europe: The solidarity and protection of the US. UK leadership is now vital, our traditional role as a bridge between the US and Europe more important than ever. This is indeed a ‘once in a generation moment.’
While rumours of President Trump’s plan for so-called peace negotiations with President Putin circulated, here in Munich the delegates were clear: Any ‘peace’ negotiated solely between Trump and Putin would not be a dignified and secure peace for Ukraine. As David Lammy has said, this is essential. With a war machine in full swing, we know that Russia will not stop with Ukraine, given the opportunity. Let us be clear: this is about security for the UK too.
The fact is we are not just up against Russia in Ukraine: We are up against a group of states who are seeking to disrupt an already fractured global order. Securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine has become the defining test of who our allies are in the world and how far we’re willing to go to defend the values of freedom, democracy and sovereignty that unite us.
As we return to our constituencies in the UK, we are struck by not just how high the stakes are, but by three further points.
The first is how willing our European neighbours are to collaborate closely with the UK and how much we need this. A strong Nato remains vital. But with the US now less reliable as an ally, we must also double down on these trusted defence and diplomatic relationships close to home.
The second is how important it is that we increase our own strategic defence capabilities and resilience. As former aid workers, we have both seen what happens when a country fails in its most basic duty: to protect its people. We risk being stuck in squabbles about basis percentage points of defence spending when the reality is: The stakes are far too high for that. Planning to reach 2.5% of GDP spending on defence at a distant future moment is no longer sufficient. We must move fast and be far more ambitious, as Finland, Sweden and others already are. In Munich we heard the example of Poland’s increased defence spending - they will reach 4.7% of GDP this year - serving not only as a protector of their security but as a driver of domestic economic growth.
In light of President Trump’s dramatic cuts to the US development budget, this renewed commitment to our security and resilience must protect overseas aid. This too is fundamental to global stability, not least in Ukraine.
Third, we must build our national resilience and put in place necessary protections against the spread of disinformation. We can and must lead the world in the development of AI and were pleased that Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle launched the UK AI Security Institute here in Munich. We must not cede our democracy or the protection of our children from online harm to the whims of the US tech bros - who have neither our country nor our children’s best interests at heart.
The British people understand that Putin’s Russia is a threat. The threat can feel somewhat distant; it did to us, before these last few days in Munich. But the severity of the threat to our own country now necessitates a strong and swift response. In the UK, our government is ambitious to deliver the Plan for Change. To get back on a path of growth, transform public services, and build a better future for our children. But this will be wasted without national security to underpin it.
At best, strengthening our defence capabilities and national resilience, in collaboration with Europe, could drive new skills, opportunity and growth in our country. At worst, it would ensure that we are ready to protect ourselves and our values in this new era of instability and conflict close to home. The UK is strong. We must rise to this moment.
Laura Kyrke-Smith MP and Melanie Ward MP
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