Michael Fallon joins forces with US defence chief to demand Europe pay their share of Nato bills

DEFENCE Secretary Sir Michael Fallon will today  join forces with his US counterpart to issue a stinging sideswipe at freeloading European allies.

Fallon will hold a two day summit with Donald Trump’s new Secretary of Defense Jim ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis.

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The pair will again put European nations on notice - demanding they shoulder the “burden” of keeping the NATO alliance at full strength in the face of Russian aggression.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “Together we will also agree further steps to modernise NATO and ensure greater burden sharing.

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“That means more European members committing to annual increases in their defence spending in order to counter an aggressive Russia and tackle terrorism and cyber threats.”

Fallon also reminded Europe of the strength of US and UK defence ties – certain to endure after Brexit.

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Fallon, added: “Our defence relationship with the US is unprecedented in its depth and scope.
“As we leave the EU, our bilateral relationships matter more than ever, so we’ll be enhancing our co-operation.”

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Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is today  expected to echo demands European nations spend more on the NATO alliance at Brussels.

Currently, only the United States, Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland spend two percent of GDP on defence.

The broadside comes as PM Theresa May this week signed the historic letter triggering the UK’s exit from the EU – and placed security at the top of Brexit negotiations.

And Sir Michael was keen to show off the UK’s enduring ties to America in the wake of the triggering of Article 50.

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Officials said: “On Wednesday, the Prime Minister referenced the fragility of today’s European security, saying it is now more unstable than at any time since the end of the Cold War.

“Sir Michael and Secretary Mattis will agree steps for NATO modernisation, including simpler command structures, and review progress towards NATO members meeting their 2 per cent defence spending commitments.”

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It is the first time Fallon has hosted Mattis since the former Marine Corps General took office.

The pair will discuss both nation’s role in NATO and the progress defeating Islamic State.

Insiders said Fallon will also impress on Mattis that Britain wants to maintain a “deep and special” economic and security partnership with the EU after Brexit.

When Britain leaves the EU, around 80 per cent of NATO defence spending will be from non-EU countries.

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And three out of the four countries leading NATO’s enhanced forward based troops – a new line of defence against Russia - in eastern Europe will be non-EU members.

Over 800 British troops are heading to Estonia – backed by 300 fighting vehicle to lead the enhanced forward presence in the Baltic state.

Sir Michael will also announce a £90 million cash injection into RAF Marham where Britain’s new F-35 Lightning aircraft will be based.