By Isabel Brooke on Monday, 15 January 2018
Category: European Union

British Involvement in EU Security Structures

​This short video introduces the series, which discusses various scenarios for defence and security post-Brexit, and the implications not only for Britain, but for the remaining EU member states as well. It provides context on the history of Britain's role as a "friend among nations," recalling specifically Britain's assistance in the Estonian war of independence.

In this clip, The Bruges Group's David Wilkinson addresses why Brexit Britain is opposed to EU common security and defence. He lays out a few major reasons, beginning with perhaps the most apparent reason, which is that it isn't Brexit if Britain's security and defence is still under the command of the EU. He also argues that the proposals for an EU army have not been in the interest of the British people, as the purpose of these proposed structures could mainly be internal repression or to continue to antagonize neighbours. The fallout of the Brexit negotiations will likely bring a shift in defence priorities for the EU.