Britain should join forces with Europe in a new defence pact because it can no longer trust Donald Trump’s America to defend it in the event of a military attack by Russia, voters believe.
That is the stark outcome of a survey by The Independent to gauge the public’s reaction to dramatic changes in US foreign policy under Mr Trump and increasing hostility to Europe – including Britain – from Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
A total of 55 per cent of British voters want a new UK/Europe defence alliance – without America – to guard against the threat from Putin, according to the JL Partners poll, while only 11 per cent oppose this plan.
Such a move would mark a historic shift in defence policy with major diplomatic implications.
Currently, the defence of Britain and Europe against the threat of attack depends on Nato, which was set up by European nations and the US in 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Under Nato’s cornerstone Article 5, an attack on any member is treated as an attack on all. In practice, that pledge is underpinned by the huge military firepower of its biggest member, the US.
However, America’s own commitment to Nato has come under question since the re-election of President Trump last year and his stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mr Trump has called European countries “weak”, repeatedly criticised them for not spending enough money on defence, and even threatened to ignore his Nato vow to defend them for not doing so if they are attacked.
In addition, Mr Trump has been accused by some of siding with Russia – not Europe – in its war with Ukraine.
He has promised to offer Ukraine Nato-style “Article 5-like” protection from further Russian attacks in the event of a ceasefire, but his refusal to go further has led some to question its value.
In fact, the only time Nato’s Article 5 has actually been triggered was in defence of the US after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
In recent weeks a series of major European figures have raised the alarm on this issue.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte warned its allies to start ramping up preparations “for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured”.
His comments were echoed by the new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, who highlighted the growing menace from Russia, which she said was “testing us in the grey zone with tactics that are just below the threshold of war,” while defence minister Al Carns said the “shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door.”
Their comments reflect fears that President Putin could follow his invasion of Ukraine with a new attack on Europe, such as the Baltic states.
Russia has violated European airspace with fighter jets and drones, as well as carrying out cyber attacks and acts of sabotage.
European countries already collaborate on defence issues via a number of organisations, such as the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, to guard against the threat from Russia in Norway and northern Europe.
Furthermore, European nations are currently increasing their defence spending.
But it will be many years before they are capable of defending themselves without relying on the US.
James Johnson, of JL Partners, said: “The radical change in views on foreign policy from Donald Trump’s White House appear to has taken its toll on British voters.
“Judging from our survey voters have lost faith in the belief that if Britain or any of its European neighbours faces a real military threat, America will automatically come to its rescue.
“They think Europe should take control of its own military protection to guarantee its safety.”
JL Partners questioned 1,562 adults online on 13 and 14 December.