Commenting on the outcome of talks between NATO foreign ministers on the crisis in Georgia, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said:

"It’s clear that NATO ministers couldn’t agree, and that’s why their communiqué is so vague.

"Britain seems, as always, to be following Washington’s line, but other countries seem more realistic about what is achievable.

"There is a real danger that NATO becomes split between neo-conservative-inclined nations like Britain and the US, and more pragmatic countries like France and Germany.

"The best way to stare down Russia is for NATO and the EU to remain united on everything from defence through to energy and trade. It’s a great shame that in this critical debate Britain’s voice is discounted as just a mere echo of Washington’s."