The purpose of Nato was “to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down” according to its first Secretary General, Lord Hastings Ismay. At its 75th anniversary summit in Washington, the alliance might say that the task now is to ensure that Ukraine isn’t defeated by Russia in the next few months, and to make the defence of Europe Trump-proof.
Sir Keir Starmer is now a key player in both endeavours. Securing Ukraine and the security of Europe is at the heart of plans for UK defence reform. A defence and security review is due to report next year, but a repair and rescue job is needed well before then — particularly for putting the Army in fighting order.
