NATO

NATO leaders attempt united front after day of drama

NATO leaders tried to overcome the birthday blues and put on a united front as a meeting near London got under way, following a day of drama that revealed deep wounds within the military alliance.

As he opened the summit on Wednesday celebrating the alliance's 70th birthday in Watford alongside host UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: 'Whatever our differences, we will continue to unite to defend each other, all for one and one for all."

Johnson said: "We are rock solid in our commitment to NATO ... History shows that peace cannot be taken for granted and even as we celebrate this anniversary we must ensure our deeds match our words.

"We must never shy away from discussing new realities, particularly NATO's response to emerging threats like hybrid warfare and disruptive technologies including space and cyber."