A British Royal Air Force member measures target distance during a training exercise near Hurlburt Field, Fla., on April 29, 2025. The U.K. and its European allies must prepare for a "worst case scenario" in which the U.S. does not come to their defense during a crisis, according to a government report released Friday. (Joey Weis-Petticord/U.S. Air Force)
The United Kingdom and other allies in Europe must prepare for a “worst-case scenario” in which the United States remains on the sidelines during a major crisis on the continent, an influential parliamentary report said Friday.
The U.K.’s National Security Strategy review, compiled by a cross-party group of lawmakers, said the country’s dependence on American military might is now a national security risk.
“Preparing for a ‘worst-case scenario’ whereby Europe can no longer rely on U.S. support in the event of a crisis, the Government must work with European partners to invest in its own capabilities to offset this potential withdrawal,” the report stated.
The government “must also develop a clear plan, along with other European allies, for a transition towards greater European leadership of NATO,” the report added.
The U.K. also should move away from a bilateral relationship with the United States that is so dependent on Washington for nuclear and intelligence support, the report said.
Over the past year, several allies have come to similar conclusions about the need for Europe to play a much larger role in the defense of the continent. Earlier this month, Germany and nuclear-armed France established a high-level steering group to examine how the countries can coordinate on nuclear issues.
The push comes as the Trump administration urges allies to boost military spending and take on more of the defense burden. Some in Europe fear that an upcoming Pentagon force posture review could result in fewer U.S. troops in the region.
Questions about the level of U.S. military commitment to Europe also come as tensions between allies ratchet up over the Iran war.
President Donald Trump on Thursday blasted allies during a White House Cabinet meeting, repeating past complaints about a lack of allied support for the U.S. campaign in Iran.
Trump suggested that the situation could alter the U.S. relationship with the alliance, which was founded after World War II as a counterweight to the Soviet Union.
“I’m so disappointed in NATO, because this was a test for NATO … Remember this in a number of months from now. Remember my statements,” Trump said.
