UK's military presence in Estonia demonstrates commitment to Nato, Healey says
British troops serving on Nato's eastern flank over Christmas are delivering a "powerful message to our allies and adversaries" about the UK's commitment to European security, Defence Secretary John Healey has insisted.
The 900 personnel in Estonia are among the 10,000 members of the UK Armed Forces who are deployed overseas during the festive period.
Mr Healey said they were serving in a world where global insecurities were rising.
He added: "Our British deployment in Estonia demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to Nato and the security of Europe, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.
"Our presence here is a powerful message to our allies and adversaries: the UK stands ready to defend its allies and uphold our shared values, all year round."
Mr Healey visited the Tapa military base, the UK's largest permanent overseas deployment, earlier this month.
He said of his visit: "It was an honour to spend time with some of those troops in Estonia, to serve them Christmas lunch and thank them for their commitment and professionalism."
Forces personnel are deployed over Christmas on 60 operations in 44 countries, while hundreds more will be on duty in the UK.
Mr Healey paid tribute to those currently overseas, saying: "We depend more and more on those who are willing to serve.
"And those who are willing to serve are supported by the families that stand with them and behind them.
"This Christmas, I pay special tribute to those 10,000 military personnel who are deployed overseas, many of them not seeing family and loved ones at this important time."
Join Our Newsletter
