The Importance of the Five Eyes in an Era of Global Insecurity

At a time of growing international instability, the Five Eyes intelligence arrangements (which brings the UK together with the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand) is of vital important to the security of Britain and its allies. While questions are being raised over the long-term future of NATO, Five Eyes represents another crucial pillar of our national security – mitigating threats from hostile states, terrorism, and other non state actors. Why does the continuation of the Five Eyes matter and what can be done to support and enhance it for the challenges ahead? A distinguished panel, including two former Prime Ministers, a former NATO Secretary General, and a former Former US Permanent Representative to NATO, discussed these issues in this unique event.

Panellists:

• Rt Hon Stephen Harper PC, Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister
• Hon John Howard OM AC, Former Prime Minister of Australia
• Ambassador Douglas Lute, Former US Permanent Representative to NATO, Former US Deputy National Security Advisor
• Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon ONZ GCVO, Former New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth
• Rt Hon the Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT, Former Secretary General of NATO, Former UK Secretary of State for Defence