European states, which are not yet members of Nato, should consider joining, according to the UK Defence Secretary.
Grant Shapps’ call for new members comes as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation celebrates its 75th anniversary today.
The British Defence Secretary’s comments will likely reignite the debate over whether nations like the Republic of Ireland, which benefits from some aspects of Nato protection, should apply to join the military alliance.
Nato expanded from 30 to 32 members in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Grant Shapps called for Europe to stand together
PA
Both Sweden and Finland, deeply concerned over Russian aggression in the region, applied to join and have now been accepted into the alliance.
However, several other European states, including Austria, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Switzerland remain outside Nato.
Mr Shapps said: “Russian aggression in Europe has already seen the recent expansion of Nato.
“I’ve no doubt others will want to consider whether it’s time to join in with our collective security.
“More than at any point in decades, it’s time for Europe to stand together.”
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Sweden is one of the two countries to have joined Nato following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Reuters
To date, Ireland has not sought to join Nato because of a tradition of neutrality, dating back to the Second World War.
But like Austria, Ireland has ties to the defence alliance, and takes part in Nato’s Partnership for Peace programme.
That programme provides a framework for political and military cooperation on joint activities, including humanitarian and peacekeeping duties.
In February, Dublin also signed an enhanced agreement with Nato, aimed at protecting subsea infrastructure and countering threats from aggressive nations, including Russia.
The deal gives Ireland more access to Nato resources, including sensitive intelligence.
Grant Shapps visited Nato troops in Poland last month
PA
However, the Irish Government insists the deal is not a step towards full membership of the alliance.
Critics of Ireland’s current policy of neutrality say the nation is essentially a net benefactor from aspects of Nato protection, without properly contributing to the alliance.
Although not formally acknowledged, Ireland relies to an extent on the UK and other neighbouring nations for protection of its airspace.
Ireland has no effective capability to track and intercept fast moving aerial threats heading towards its airspace.
UK Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) combat jets have in the past responded to threats, including Russian bomber aircraft, near Irish airspace.
