UK intelligence ties with USA under scrutiny amid tensions
Experts suggest that the United Kingdom should reconsider its intelligence relations with the USA, which have been the foundation of their special relationship 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 relations 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 the exchange of intelligence information has up to now been 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 a 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.
"The links between Britain and America’s intelligence networks go so deep that it may be impossible to untangle them, or to replicate the U.S. contribution," wrote "Politico."
A former senior intelligence official emphasises that "trust in the United States is already a thing of the past," but these relations will be the last element to break down.
— We’re not yet in a crisis, but there is a new level of caution in the relationship — Melvin also noted.
