Nick Butler writes in the Financial Times : “In ten days time Nato’s leaders will gather in Wales for their bi-annual summit. There is certainly plenty to discuss at Celtic Manor – Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan and of course the continued inadequacy of defence spending which is leaving the military in many countries unable to fulfill all their stated commitments.”  

“But tucked away in one bland paragraph of the draft communiqué now being circulated is a brief reference to energy security. Let’s hope there is substance behind the words.”  

The piece concludes: “The fundamental principle is deterrence. That has been Nato’s watchword and greatest success. The principle should be extended – to ensure that gas supplies cannot be used as threats in any future political conflict.”