UK Defence Secretary hails NATO as 'cornerstone' of security

INNSWORTH, United Kingdom - The British Defence Secretary, The Right Honourable Gavin Williamson MP, has expressed his 'ambition and pride' for the vital role of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in Gloucestershire.

During his first visit to the alliance's base just outside Gloucester in the west of England, the Minister praised the multinational staff for their contribution to the "cornerstone" of security.

He met with senior commanders, as well as addressing the headquarters staff, telling them: "NATO is the absolute cornerstone, not just of our security here in the United Kingdom, but the cornerstone of the security of every European nation and the United States and Canada.

"It's great to be able to have such an important part of the NATO architecture here in the U.K.".

VALUE

He continued: "What makes the strength of the ARRC as an organisation, a structure that so many nations look to with envy, is the fusion that we have with personnel from all different nations bringing their knowledge, their expertise, their passion, and their commitment.

"We know that your capabilities, your will, and your expertise that you bring is second to none, so thank you very much for your work. It is great to see you and to have a much better understanding of the value of what you bring.".

The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps is based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire. Sixty percent of the staff are British, with the remainder coming from 22 other NATO member nations.

Story by Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Public Affairs Office