Britain to send hundreds of soldiers to Poland to ward off ‘invading’ Russian troops… as UK looks to Warsaw as a key Brexit ally
Prime Minister hoping to cement relations with her Polish counterpart ahead of fraught EU negotiations
BRITAIN will send 150 troops to help protect Poland from Russian aggression as Theresa May looks to secure Warsaw's backing in Brexit talks.
A summit between the PM and her Polish counterpart Beata Szydlo is being held in an effort to stand up to bolshie Putin and allay Polish fears about its citizens remaining in the UK after Britain leaves the EU.
The deployment of troops from the Light Dragoons will be based in the northeastern town of Orzysz, just 100km from the key Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, from April.
It is here that Russia is planning to base Nuclear-capable missiles posing a major threat to cities in northern Europe.
While the deployment is small compared to Russia's vast military, the gesture is intended to be symbolic of the UK's commitment to her NATO allies and Britain's ties to Poland.
Theresa May said on Sunday: "We share a clear commitment to take our co-operation to the next level and to firmly establish the UK and Poland as resolute and strategic allies.
"We will never forget the Polish pilots who braved the skies alongside us during World War Two … nor the valuable contribution made by so many Poles in our country today.
"I am determined that Brexit will not weaken our relationship … rather it will serve as a catalyst to strengthen it."
The two leaders are meeting in London, where along with defence Brexit will likely be a key topic of discussion.
Despite heavy criticism, the Government has so far refused to rule out removing rights for EU nationals currently in the UK to stay after Brexit until a similar guarantee is made about the 1.2million Brits living in Europe.
However, May is expected to play down these fears to secure Warsaw's favour.
Ms Szydlo said Poland would be a "constructive partner" during EU negotiations with Britain.
In an article for the she said there needed to be a "good compromise which gives both our countries the best possible options for economic and security cooperation".
Brexit-related talks will likely rile EU leaders after Brussels banned member states from formal negotiations with Britain before Article 50 is triggered in March next year.
Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368