Ireland accused of 'freeloading' off defence investment of others

The Policy Exchange report was co-authored by former British defence secretaries Michael Fallon (pictured) and George Robertson. Picture: Leon Neal/PA

Ireland has been accused by an influential thinktank of "freeloading" when it comes to European defence as well as offering a "backdoor" threat to Britain from Russia, China, and Iran.

A report from Policy Exchange, which is backed by former British defence secretaries Michael Fallon and George Robertson, suggested Britain should also expand its air and naval presence in Northern Ireland, to counter a growing Russian threat on the UK’s western flank.