Fox tells Europe it must support Nato and not create an army

Liam Fox today launched a stinging attack on EU countries for scrimping on defence spending while pushing moves for a European army.

The Defence Secretary stressed Britain would block plans for a permanent EU operational headquarters, which is seen as a step towards a European army.

After the success of the Allied campaign led by the UK and France in Libya, he unleashed his criticism of other EU nations while shying away from naming any of them.

He told the conference: "You know, many of those calling for deeper EU defence integration are already failing to fulfil their commitments to Nato. You cannot expect to have the insurance policy but ask others to pay the premiums."

He branded the proposals to "duplicate and divert from Nato" while Europe is in financial crisis "a nonsense". He added: "At a time when we are reducing the number of military headquarters at home and in Nato it is not the time to start increasing them in the European Union.

"That is why William Hague vetoed the long-term Euro-aspiration of creating of a permanent EU operational headquarters."

Before flying to Brussels for a Nato summit, Mr Fox also lavished praise on David Cameron for his role in persuading other nations to join military action against Colonel Gaddafi's brutal regime in Libya, which was on the brink of a massacre in the eastern city of Benghazi.

"David Cameron's statecraft, leadership and resolve prevented what would have been a humanitarian disaster and we should be proud of what we have accomplished. Libya has shown that Britain remains a global player," he said.

To the delight of the Tory faithful, he also gave a promise on the Falklands staying British.

"Next year is the 30th anniversary of the victory for self-determination in the Falklands - a victory made possible by the resolve of another Conservative Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher," he said.

Relations with Argentina were now "healthy", he added.

"But one thing is unchanged; for as long as the people of the Falklands choose to, they are, and will always be, British," he said.

"And let's also be clear about Gibraltar. Gibraltar has had a strategic importance to the UK for 300 years. It remains an important naval base and there can be no question over its sovereignty."