David Miliband has warned that Europe should strengthen its independence from the United States without completely breaking away from its long-standing alliance with Washington.
Speaking at the Hay Festival, Miliband said Europe may need “separate bedrooms” from the US, but not a “divorce”, despite growing tensions linked to the policies of the Donald Trump administration.
The former Labour foreign secretary argued that Europe must develop greater economic, military and technological autonomy, including in defence procurement and artificial intelligence. However, he cautioned that fully severing ties with the US could leave Europe in a vulnerable position.
Miliband also said Europe should continue leading on climate policy regardless of changes in Washington, stressing that the green transition presents both economic and environmental opportunities.
During the discussion, lawyer and author Philippe Sands argued that Britain remains heavily dependent on the US and should focus on rebuilding closer political, economic and military ties with Europe following Brexit.
Miliband also renewed calls for a broader national discussion about Britain’s future relationship with the EU, arguing that Brexit had weakened the UK economically and strategically.
Referring to wider geopolitical tensions, he said the conflict involving Iran had created a deeper fracture between Europe and the United States than even the Iraq war.
via The Guardian
