The credibility of Britain, which violates international law and its own promises, is at stake. It is not yet clear whether Finland’s security will be used as a lever in EU disputes, writes Pasi Myöhänen, ‘s London journalist.
LONDON Boris Johnson’s government has not attracted attention for its high morale or credibility.
Even Johnson’s personal morality is more than questionable.
When Johnson is celebrated at the same time Due to the political security guarantees given to Finland and Sweden, it is difficult to reconcile the contradiction.
I asked for help From Peter Rickettsone of Britain’s leading security commentators.
Former British NATO spokesman and French ambassador have harshly criticized Johnson’s EU policy, but on “war and peace issues,” he trusts the British prime minister.
– When it comes to the safety of our partners, the words of Boris Johnson and Britain can be trusted. However, the question of credibility is worth asking, as violating international law has damaged our reputation, Ricketts says.
That’s it in all its simplicity. EU disputes and security issues are two different things and firmly in their own compartments.
Helping Britain, Finland and the rest of the Nordic region is about the security and stability of our own neighborhood.
It raises fearsthat Britain has sought to break the unity of the EU by establishing direct bilateral relations with EU countries – to get its will across the Union.
It is safe to assume that Johnson hopes for sympathy from Finland and Sweden during the EU controversy. The countries received political security guarantees from Britain. Until now, however, there have been no signs that Johnson’s Britain would seek to use Finland’s security issues directly as a token in EU disputes.
– I don’t believe this at all. Disputes with the EU, for example on trade issues and security issues, are in different compartments, Peter Ricketts describes.
Progress of Finnish membership is still stuck due to Turkish opposition at the start of the Madrid NATO summit.
Ricketts says that Finland has no worries. The reason for this is the promised support from Britain, the EU and the United States.
– I do not see the possibility that Finland would be left alone if the country were attacked by Russia. The security guarantees provided by Britain are very similar to those of the EU.
The forces that may be deployed in Finland before NATO membership are a political issue, of which there is no certainty in advance. However, Finland’s own defense capability is strong, especially when combined with material and other support from partners.
Ricketts believes that Turkey’s opposition to Finnish and Swedish membership will remain short-lived. The United States in particular has a key role to play in triggering the situation.
Britain is the second largest military power in Europe, along with France and since EU secession, there have been fears in the air as to whether the country remains committed to the security of its neighborhood. However, fears of shifting attention and resources have proved futile.
In the country released last year in the security policy report (you switch to another service) Russia was identified as the clearest threat to Britain. This has also been reflected in practical action. The military assistance provided by Britain to Ukraine has been rapid and extensive. The country’s determination to support has overshadowed, for example, Ukraine in France and especially Germany.
Helping Britain in Finland and the rest of the Nordic region is about the security and stability of our own northern European neighborhood. In addition, active military policy during the crisis in Ukraine has occasionally improved Johnson’s support figures, and this is not a trivial factor.
Chatham House Research Institute John Kampfner says he has known Boris Johnson for decades.
“You can count on Boris Johnson to do exactly what Boris Johnson benefits himself,” describes Kampfner, director of the Britain in the World program.
Finland is in a happy position because the benefits of Johnson and Finland meet in security matters.