The UK has to spend more on defence if it wants to sit at the top table

The president of the United States is right. Europe must invest more in its defence. We may all have strong views on his presidency (and as a US dual national, I do too). But given the growing threats to Europe, Donald Trump’s stark message on European security should be acknowledged.

That means us, too. Our own defence secretary has consistently called for increased spending, and we are reviewing our ability to defend, mount and sustain operations, and respond to an ever-growing spectrum of threats.

In seeking more Treasury support, in the face of competing demands across many Whitehall departments, we must spell out a reasoned, convincing and cost-effective argument that educates and unites public opinion as to why defence warrants priority.

First, our outward looking, post-brexit economy is ever more reliant on access to international markets: 95 per cent of our goods move by sea. Our national security depends on economic security, and vice versa. Without guaranteed international reach, UK prosperity would be restricted – as, consequently, would any new money for Whitehall departments. And since many of our best opportunities lie in places such as Africa that are vulnerable to instability, our trading success depends on our ability to reduce or prevent potential conflicts.

Second, the threats Europe faces are becoming more complex and diverse. We live in a time of confrontation by both state and non-state actors; we are not at war, yet also not at peace. Our defence posture must respond to this phenomenon. In addition to terrorism and conventional threats, non-lethal ways of causing chaos such as cyber attacks, information warfare and threats to our satellites, all require attention.

Third, with fewer countries having either the ability or the desire to step forward, we must ask what role we want to play in the world. Do we want to help shape events, or be shaped by them?

Our defence posture matters. It is, and has always been, one of the key symbols of our national identity. It is the hard power that backs up our soft power and gives us the authority to sit at the top table. As more countries ignore the post-war order we helped to establish, and others retreat into a more populist, siloed mentality, Britain – with its historical connections, diplomatic reach and reputation in upholding democratic values – is well placed to play a pivotal leadership role. Indeed, many nations look to us to do exactly that.

The spectacular RAF fly-past this week, which included Battle of Britain planes, reminded me of the importance of British courage and leadership in retaining the ability to defend our shores and skies. It was a reminder of how our security is integrally linked to Europe’s. As our European allies now follow suit in reviewing their own defence posture, we, as Europe’s leading military nation, must once again seek to claim our place on the international stage.