Joe Biden keeping options open on new Nato boss with UK politician touted
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has been linked with the post.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joe Biden said it may be time for a British Nato leader in a boost for Ben Wallace’s hopes of taking the alliance’s top job.
The prospect of the Defence Secretary taking the role was raised in talks between Rishi Sunak and the US president at the White House.
Mr Biden appeared to indicate Mr Wallace was a “very qualified individual” but it “remains to be seen” who will get the job.
Nato’s current secretary general Jens Stoltenberg steps down at the end of September.
The last Briton to lead the alliance was Lord Robertson, who held the role between 1999 and 2003.
Asked if it was time for another Briton to lead the alliance, Mr Biden said: “Maybe, that remains to be seen.
“We are going to have to get a consensus within Nato to see that happen.
“They have a candidate who is a very qualified individual.”
But, he added, there would have to be “a lot of discussion” at Nato to determine the outcome of the process.