Extract from Lords debate on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy - Apr 22
Friday, 23 April 2021 07:55
Lord Stirrup (CB):...First, despite the much-discussed tilt to the
Indo-Pacific, the review correctly identifies Russia as the most
immediate threat to our security. The maintenance of our commitment
to NATO, the associated transatlantic relationship and the
continued development of our military capabilities, including in
new fields such as cyber, are therefore crucial. But we will
continue to face challenges from Russia below the threshold of
conventional war. Success with these requires...Request free trial
(CB):...First, despite the much-discussed tilt to the
Indo-Pacific, the review correctly identifies Russia as the most
immediate threat to our security. The maintenance of our commitment
to NATO, the associated transatlantic relationship and the
continued development of our military capabilities, including in
new fields such as cyber, are therefore crucial. But we will
continue to face challenges from Russia below the threshold of
conventional war. Success with these requires robust international
responses, particularly among our European neighbours, but such
responses will become increasingly difficult to agree, as issues of
security become more entangled with those of trade and supply, and
short-term national concerns trump regional solidarity. Nord Stream 2 and its possible effect
on Europe’s ability to respond effectively to Russian adventurism
is a case in point...
(Con):...I chair the British Ukrainian Society.
The massive build-up of Russian armed forces on the country’s
border reminds us of Russia’s continuing aggression. It is truly
astonishing that Nord Stream 2 will increase
dependence on Russian gas supplies, which have been operated with
pricing mechanisms according to purely political criteria. It is of
course most damaging to the Ukrainian economy, which will now be
bypassed. I ask my noble friend, given that the review describes
Russia as the most acute direct threat, how in practice we can deal
with the serious challenge it is presenting?
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