Transatlantic unity challenged ahead of NATO Summit - Lords to debate International Relations Committee report

The NATO Summit takes place on 11–12 July in Brussels, at a time of several controversies. Key issues in the report include:

• With new digital technology and the cyber age affecting every area of modern existence, including all security and defence issues, the report calls on  NATO collectively to continue adapting to revolutionary new conditions, as well as to dispel doubts about the degree of US engagement .
• It urges the British Government to make clear at the Summit its concept of a Tier One military role and how best to continue contribute to the Alliance's changing defence goals.
• It also suggests further clarification of NATO-EU coordination, especially in the light of Brexit.

Detailed priorities on which the Summit should focus include:

• The degree and credibility of the US commitment to the principle of collective security that underpins the NATO alliance
• Concerns relating to the financial management of NATO
• NATO's approach to Russian hybrid warfare and other stances and interventions.
• NATO's changing role in new facing forms of security challenge and  in the light of growing cyber warfare
• The nature and adequacy of the 2% defence spending target
• Relationship between NATO and nations aspiring to become NATO members
• Prospects for greater European defence co-ordination

Ahead of the debate Chairman of the Committee Lord Howell of Guildford said:

“NATO has been the bedrock of the UK's defence. The Summit in July comes at a time of unparalleled international volatility and instability, and at a moment when the degree and credibility of the US commitment to NATO remains uncertain.

The Summit provides an opportunity both to address key issues - including the alliance's approach to Russia, cyber warfare and NATO expansion - and to recognise that institutional reform is needed. It is also an opportunity for the UK to affirm its continuing role as a major NATO partner and its firm on-going commitment to European defence and security.

“We urge the Government to take a lead at the Summit on all these issues and also to re-affirm its strong and deep defence role, both regional and global.”

Expected to speak in the upcoming debate are:

• Chairman of the Committee Lord Howell of Guildford - to move that this House takes note of the report from the International Relations Committee the NATO Summit 2018
• Baroness Anelay of St Johns
• Lord Browne of Ladyton
• Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
• Lord Dannatt
• Lord Davies of Stamford
• Lord Hannay of Chiswick
• Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield
• Lord Jopling
• Lord Judd
• Baroness Northover
• Lord Purvis of Tweed
• Earl Sandwich
• Baroness Smith of Newnham
• Lord Soley
• Lord Tunnicliffe
• Lord Wallace of Saltaire
• Responding on behalf of the Government will be: Baroness Goldie