The U.K.'s new defense secretary said Sunday that Europe will ultimately thank President Donald Trump for waking up the continent from its complacency and forcing NATO allies to take responsibility for their own security.Speaking on Sky News, Wes Streeting also signaled a rebalancing of the U.K.government's transatlantic stance under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham while stating that Britain continued to refuse to back U.S.
offensive military action against Iran."The first thing you do is you don't suck up, and… my impression is President Trump, his administration… that's not what they're looking for, actually," Streeting told Sky News anchor Trevor Phillips, stating his perspective on Washington."He's a straight talker.He says what he means and means what he says."ANDY BURNHAM TAKES OVER AS UK PRIME MINISTER, CALLS FOR 'NEW POLITICAL MODEL'British Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting said that Europe will one day thank President Donald Trump for shaking Europe out of its strategic complacency and forcing NATO allies to shoulder more of their own defense.
(Carl Court/Getty Images)"I don't know him, but I do trust the United States," he added.Streeting took charge of the U.K.Ministry of Defence on July 20, the same day Burnham became prime minister."I've not even been in the job a week.
I've always been aware that the alliance between the U.S.and the U.K.
is unlike any in the world, and of course, that's historic, it's cultural, it's political," Streeting said."It's driven by self-interest as well as mutual shared interests."During his first week in office, Streeting also had a call with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to discuss maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and broader NATO commitments."But just in my first week as defense secretary, I have had a unique insight into just how close and integral that relationship is when it comes to defense and security," Streeting explained.UK DEFENSE SHORTFALLS HIGHLIGHTED AS BRITAIN AVOIDS IRAN OFFENSIVE...