UK reconsidering intelligence ties with USA amid tensions
Experts suggest that the United Kingdom should reconsider its intelligence relationship with the USA, which has been the foundation of their special partnership for years. "Politico" suggests that the British should limit the exchange of information with their long-term partner.
The United Kingdom may face the necessity of limiting the exchange of intelligence information with the United States. As noted by "Politico," this cooperation has long been a key element of the relationship between these countries, but current tensions may force changes.
End of cooperation with the USA? A tough decision for the British
The administration of President Donald Trump introduced many changes that strained the special relationship between the UK and the USA. Although, up to now, the exchange of intelligence information was considered a stable element of cooperation, recent events indicate emerging cracks.
An example is Trump's decision to halt sharing intelligence with Ukraine, as well as the incident with National Security Advisor Michael Walt, who accidentally included a journalist in a conversation about the attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The United Kingdom has many essential assets in this relationship, including listening posts that are crucial for the USA. Neil Melvin from the Royal United Services Institute highlights the importance of the station in Cyprus, which allows for data collection from the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, significant for Israel's security.
Divided expert opinions
There is division among the intelligence community regarding the next steps. While most experts agree that Washington's softened stance towards the Kremlin is concerning, the intelligence relations between the two countries are so deep that cooperation might not end.
"Politico" reported that the intelligence connection between the two nations is so extensive that breaking it off could prove impossible. Nevertheless, despite the complexity of the relationship, London needs to begin preparing for scenarios that were once considered unimaginable.
A former high-ranking intelligence officer points out that while trust in the United States has already faded, intelligence cooperation will likely be the final aspect of the relationship to collapse.
Melvin also remarked that, while the situation has not yet reached a crisis point, there is a noticeable increase in caution within the relationship. He stressed the importance of remaining hopeful while getting ready for the worst-case scenario.
