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13 July 2026 - Deterrence in an age of Russian aggression - Oral evidence

Committee National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
Inquiry Deterrence in an age of Russian aggression

Monday 13 July 2026

Start times: 4:00pm (private) 4:20pm (public)


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What role should UK play in a changing NATO alliance? Committee explores

On Monday MPs and Peers will explore how the UK can cooperate with its partners in the NATO alliance to deter Russia, following its recent summit in Ankara, Turkey.

The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy is currently hearing evidence on how the UK should deter Russian aggression, with a particular emphasis on imposing genuine costs and constraints on Russia.

Monday’s session will focus on the role of the NATO alliance and the UK’s place within it, including on conventional and cyber capabilities, nuclear posture and defence investment.

Meeting details

At 4:20pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry Deterrence in an age of Russian aggression
Former Commanding General of US Army Europe
Former Director General for Strategy and Security Policy, Ministry of Defence and Distinguished Fellow at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
Former Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Visiting Fellow at Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
At 5:00pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry Deterrence in an age of Russian aggression
Former US Secretary of Defense Representative in Europe, NATO and Director-General at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
Former UK Permanent Representative to NATO and Senior Associate Fellow at European Leadership Network (ELN)
Senior Non-resident Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Senior Research Fellow at Centre for European Reform (CER)

Committee members are likely to ask witnesses, including former senior generals, officials and diplomats, what lessons the UK should take away from the most recent NATO summit, what role the UK should play as Europe transitions towards greater responsibility for collective defence, and whether the UK is investing enough to make an effective contribution. 

Other topics likely to be discussed include applying pressure to Russia over the Ukraine war, the likelihood of a direct attack on a NATO member, and how to engage the UK public on the reality of the security threat from Russia.

Location

Room 4A, Palace of Westminster

How to attend