UK ‘remains committed’ to defending the Baltic

The UK will not abandon Nordic and Baltic defence and security after Brexit, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said, as he prepared to host a summit with counterparts from the region.

Mr Johnson said Britain was a “reassuring presence” for allies facing “Russian antagonism” ahead of the high-level talks in London tonight.

Theforeignministerswill discuss continued security and defence co-operation after the UK leaves the EU, as well as wider issues including Russia, Iran and transatlantic relations.

Mr Johnson said: “In an increasingly complex world, Britain remains a reassuring presence to its friends, especially those facing continued Russian antagonism in the north of Europe and the Baltic region.

“Our troop commitment to Estonia is a firm demonstration that Britain will always stand by its allies in the face of outside aggression, and a message to others that the unity that Nato provides and sustains will never be broken.

“Britain wants a safe and secure world, and as we leave the European Union, we will continue to defend and promote our common interests, as we rise to any challenges we face together.”