European leaders are at No.10 today to proclaim unity over Ukraine. There will be flags, firm handshakes, warm words, and talk of standing together against Russian aggression. But behind the stagecraft is a truth too many are trying to ignore: Europe wants Britain’s strength without allowing Britain a say in shaping the continent’s defence. Only days ago, the EU shut the door on the UK’s involvement in its €150 billion rearmament programme — the SAFE fund. In the middle of a war on European soil, Brussels decided that its own political pride mattered more than faster weapons for Ukraine or a stronger European arsenal.

If the EU truly cared about defending Europe, Britain would be at the heart of the plan. Few if any European countries deliver military punch like the UK — whether it is Royal Navy warships confronting Russian provocation, British factories ramping up ammunition production, or British troops reinforcing NATO’s frontline.

And let’s not forget Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent, with operational control – contrary to some populist comment – residing solely with the PM and his government. Only the French can boast something similar.

Instead, Brussels demanded billions just to enter the room and tried to cap British involvement so EU industry remains protected. At a moment when Ukraine is fighting for survival, the EU chose to play trade politics.

That is not strategy. It is small-minded protectionism dressed up as security policy. Which brings us to today’s meeting. Europe will gladly avail itself of Britain’s intelligence, our diplomatic muscle, our aid packages, our jets and missiles.

But when it comes to planning the weapons Europe will rely on for decades to come? Suddenly Britain is treated like an outsider. Unity that ends when the money is discussed is not unity at all.

Britain backs Ukraine because it is right — morally, strategically and historically. We understand defence is a duty, not a bargaining chip or an economic transaction for financial gain. But Europe must now decide whether it truly wants to be defended — or merely to look as though it is.

Speeches don’t deter tanks. Procurement does. And excluding one of the strongest defence powers in Europe makes the continent weaker, not stronger.

Britain is ready to help build the future security of Europe. The question is whether Brussels can put politics aside long enough to accept the help.