Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has warned that the UK would be left in a "difficult position" if the United States were to relinquish leadership of Nato.
Speaking to GB News, Griffith emphasised the critical importance of the transatlantic alliance.
"We'd be left in a difficult position. The US is our longest, closest, deepest ally, particularly from a military perspective, and has been a cornerstone of Nato since its origination, so that would be a great concern," he said.
The Conservative MP called for "cool heads" during discussions about Nato's future.
Andrew Griffith has warned that the UK will be in a 'difficult position' if Donald Trump pulls America out of Nato
Reuters / GB News
Griffith urged European nations to increase their defence spending and take more responsibility.
"This is a time for cool heads and where he's been absolutely right, and successive US administrations have made this point, is that we in Europe do need to step up, spend more on our own defence and take more responsibility," he told GB News.
The Shadow Business Secretary welcomed recent discussions on defence spending among European leaders.
"It's encouraging to see many European leaders, led by our Prime Minister, talking about precisely that," he said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Trump is reportedly considering relinquishing America's Nato membership
ReutersHowever, he emphasised that concrete actions were more important than rhetoric.
"It's actions not words that matter and now, including in the UK, it is important that all European nations step up and spend more on their own defence," Griffith added.
Griffith warned against creating unnecessary division over Ukraine.
"People shouldn't be looking to create division. Everybody wants peace in Ukraine, but President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine have to be part of a lasting solution as well," Griffith said.
Griffith told GB News that 'everybody wants peace in Ukraine'
GB News
Addressing comments made by JD Vance, Griffith clarified that the remarks weren't directed at the UK and France.
"As I understand it, he wasn't talking about the UK and France—we stood side by side with the US, our closest and deepest ally," he explained.
Griffith reiterated the need for measured responses to international discussions.
"As Kemi said, it is right that we have cool heads," he stated.
