Royal Navy ‘demoted’ after Nato reshuffle in major blow to Britain | UK | News

Britain will hand over Nato’s central naval command at Northwood on the outskirts of London to an American admiral in a sweeping reshuffle that critics have called «a snub» to the UK aimed at increasing European allies’ responsibilities while cementing US dominance.

In exchange, a British general will take control of Nato’s joint force command (JFC) in Norfolk, Virginia, now run by a US admiral, alliance sources say. Supporters of the move argue the switch still gives Britain a key role as President Trump overhauls the transatlantic alliance.

The Norfolk JFC is Nato’s only operational base on US territory. British defence sources highlighted the position’s rising importance since its remit grew to cover the Arctic, including Greenland, three months ago, securing Nato’s longest land border with Russia.

European allies get bigger military role

«Allies have agreed on a new distribution of senior officer responsibility across the Nato command structure in which European allies will play a more prominent role in the alliance’s military leadership,» said a Nato official after details of the reshuffle leaked in the French press.

Transferring Northwood, now under Vice-Admiral Robert Pedre’s command, to an American naval officer represents a historic shift for the Royal Navy. Britain has controlled the Marcom central maritime command since it was established in 2012 and commanded Nato operations at the base since 1953.

French diplomatic sources told La Lettre, a digital newspaper, that the decision amounted to a demotion for Britain due to cuts, budget shortfalls and the decommissioning of navy vessels.

«This is a snub for London, whose navy, weakened after years of cutbacks, is no longer considered capable of leading the alliance’s defence at sea,» it wrote.

Arctic operations expand

«Norfolk is a massive deal and covers the High North,» said a defence source quoted by The Times, noting that the JFC’s area of responsibility was expanded to Finland, Sweden, Greenland and Denmark in December.

Speaking in Berlin on Monday, Matthew Whitaker, Trump’s ambassador to Nato, rejected claims that the president was hostile to the alliance. «We’re not trying to dismantle Nato,» he said.

«We’re trying to make Nato stronger, not to withdraw or reject Nato but make it work like it was intended, as an alliance of 32 strong and capable allies.»