About Labour
Friends of NATO
The need for NATO has never been greater. The West faces a more substantial threat than any time since the Cold War. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its continuing programme of assassination, sabotage, and cyber-warfare conducted against Western democracies, including the UK, proves that Putin’s regime presents a real and present danger to world peace.
The best answer to this aggression is the NATO alliance, founded on the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all. Since 1949, when Labour foreign secretary Ernie Bevin signed the NATO treaty on behalf of the UK, NATO has kept us strong and secure.
NATO is one of Labour’s greatest achievements, ranking alongside the NHS. NATO reflects Labour’s values of solidarity, security, internationalism and peace. The alliance supports the ‘principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law’, which align perfectly with Labour values.
We are a new network, founded in January 2026, with big plans. We want to engage with Labour supporters, from Whitehall to local branches, with briefings, events, debates, roundtables, and international delegations.
We have a mailing list. If you share our objectives, please sign up for events and information.
What we do
In Parliament
In Westminster, Labour Friends of NATO works closely with MPs and peers to ensure our historic commitment to collective security remains at the heart of government policy. We champion the modern "NATO-first" defensive doctrine and advocate for the robust implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. By equipping parliamentarians with expert insights on evolving global threats, gray-zone warfare, and transatlantic relations, we secure an unwavering legislative consensus that fully supports our Armed Forces and upholds our absolute nuclear deterrent.
In our communities
At the grassroots level, we are building a vibrant network of party members, activists, and trade unionists who recognise that true social progress requires international stability. We bring the discussion of national security out of Westminster and directly into our communities. Through educational campaigns, regional debates, and local events, we demonstrate how the foundational principle of solidarity—that an injury to one is an injury to all—directly mirrors NATO's Article 5 commitment to collective, unshakeable defence.
In our councils
Local government is the frontline of civic resilience and community support. Labour Friends of NATO connects councillors across the country to share best practices for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant locally. We empower local leaders to champion our veterans, protect vital service housing, and support military families. By fostering a deep understanding of collective security at the municipal level, our councillors help build resilient communities capable of standing firm against modern disinformation and hybrid security challenges.
Our supporters
“NATO is one of our party’s most enduring achievements. It has maintained peace in Europe and driven progress at home. It is needed now more than ever - which is why our Labour Government has a NATO-first approach to defence.”
John Healey MP
Chancellor of the Exchequer and
Former Secretary of State for Defence
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Sign up to our mailing list
Sign up to join our campaign for collective security. Guided by the fundamental Labour principle of international solidarity - Labour Friends of NATO advocates for a strong, NATO-first defence strategy that safeguards our democracy and invests in our Armed Forces.