https://www.theguardian.com/politics...hinktank-warns
Russia, China and Iran could target UK via Irish ‘backdoor’, thinktank warns
Britain faces a “backdoor” threat to its security from a Russian, Chinese and Iranian presence in the Republic of
Ireland, according to a report by an influential thinktank that accuses Dublin of “freeloading” when it comes to European defence.
The UK should also expand its air and naval presence in Northern Ireland, to counter a growing Russian threat on the UK’s western flank, according to the
Policy Exchange report, which is backed by two former defence secretaries, Michael Fallon and George Robertson.
The UK and Ireland are at risk from an “acute maritime menace” posed by a Russian doctrine of targeting undersea networks and pipelines and the presence of Russian warships, they say in a foreword to the paper.
Concerns about Russian intelligence operations in Ireland and its vulnerability to cyber-attack are also highlighted in the report, which cites what it describes as an “inordinately large Russian diplomatic outfit in Dublin”.…
Ireland’s president has rebuked the government for launching a debate about the country’s longstanding military neutrality and the possibility of joining Nato, saying ministers were “playing with fire”.
The report tried to sound an alarm bell about the consequences of Sinn Féin winning Irish elections in 2025.
“If Sinn Féin wins in 2025, the UK is therefore looking at many more years of an uncooperative, and likely hostile, neighbour in the face of growing external threats,” it said.…
https://policyexchange.org.uk/public...the-back-door/
Closing the Back Door
https://policyexchange.org.uk/wp-con...-Back-Door.pdf