UK says Türkiye 'imperative' to its security interests, remains key NATO, bilateral partner

Türkiye is “imperative” to UK security interests across Europe and on NATO's flanks and remains a key NATO and bilateral partner for the UK, according to the country's newly published policy paper on Tuesday.In a new government review, titled National Security Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World, Britain highlighted Türkiye's importance and partnership in defense and security."At the crossroads between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Africa, Turkey is imperative to UK security interests across Europe and on NATO's flanks and remains a key NATO and bilateral partner for the UK, with strong military integration and defence industrial collaboration," the document said.Pointing to dangers and challenges, the National Security Strategy also stated that Britain must prepare for the potential of a "wartime scenario" in the "UK homeland" for the first time in many years."For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario," it said.