Lammy warns post Cold War peace is over and backs Trump's defence spending demands

On January 8, 2025, David Lammy, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, gave a significant speech challenging the escalating aggression of Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, which he believes threatens global stability. Lammy argued that recent actions by Russia have fundamentally altered the post Cold War peace established in the 1990s, indicating a shift in international dynamics that requires a reevaluation of defense strategies among NATO allies, especially in light of Donald Trump’s demands for increased military spending. He emphasized that failure to respond to these new threats poses a risk to allies and global security. In his address, Lammy supported Trump's call for NATO members to increase their defense budgets, acknowledging that some allies are lagging behind in their commitments. While he did not endorse any specific spending figure, he stressed the necessity for European nations to bolster their defense spending due to the growing threats from Russia. The foreign secretary highlighted that the Russian incursion into Ukraine represents a major challenge to European stability and called for collective efforts to address the resulting security concerns. Lammy also noted the historical context, stating that the previous peace enjoyed since the end of the Cold War is essentially over, and warned that this reality requires NATO countries to adopt long-term thinking in their defense policies rather than reacting to immediate distractions. He articulated that a lack of adequate response could embolden further aggression from Russia and other nations seeking to disrupt established global orders. Moreover, Lammy aimed to critique the past Conservative government’s approach to foreign policy, arguing that under prior leadership, the UK's position in global affairs was weakened. He suggested that it is time to work towards repairing relationships, particularly with the European Union, and stressed the importance of a united front against threats posed by both Russia and China. He modified the narrative to encompass technological advancements and geopolitical shifts that demand proactive international cooperation on various fronts, including defense and security.