UK’s Johnson to call for unity as Nato alliance turns 70

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to call for Nato unity amid growing tensions within the military bloc at a summit to mark its 70th birthday.

The meeting gets under way near London on Tuesday overshadowed by a bitter row between France and Turkey, and a continuing debate over money.

Last month, the French president called Nato “brain dead”, saying members were no longer co-operating on key issues.

US President Donald Trump is among the leaders attending the summit.

He arrived in the UK on Monday ahead of a reception to be hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening. Mr Trump is set to hold separate talks with the German and French leaders, and Nato’s secretary-general.

Tensions have grown since the election of President Trump, who has repeatedly complained that Europe’s Nato countries are not contributing enough to the bloc, created to counter the threat of post-World War Two communist expansion.

The summit takes place as President Trump faces an impeachment inquiry at home and eyes a re-election campaign next year. At the same time, the UK will hold a general election next week amid its complicated Brexit process.

Nato members pledge to come to the aid of one another should any of the 29 allies come under attack.