The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Moore Butts - How To Handle A Rogue MP
Feb 17, 2026
James Moore, former cabinet minister known for caucus management, and Gerry Butts, longtime political adviser just back from the Munich Security Conference, discuss Europe's push to self-defend and Germany's rearmament. They debate NATO trust, Canada's role amid transatlantic realignment, and the risks when an MP goes rogue on an overseas visit. Short, sharp takes on defence, diplomacy, and political discipline.
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Europe Must Now Self-Defend
- Europe now believes it must take care of its own defence because it can no longer rely on the United States.
- Gerry Butts says this shift is the dominant theme at the Munich Security Conference and reframes transatlantic strategy.
German Rearmament Will Reshape Europe
- Massive German rearmament is underway and could remake European security dynamics.
- James Moore warns that a rapid German build-up could escalate regional tensions and change leadership influences.
Morose Munich Dinner Before Invasion
- Gerry Butts recalled a morose 2022 Munich dinner as Russia's invasion loomed.
- He quoted Wolfgang Schmidt joking about Germany raising an army to march through Poland, illustrating uneasy humour.