House of Commons · Urgent Question
11 December 2025 · 20 other contributors
Opened by Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Matt Western raised concerns about us national security strategy 2025-12-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm how the Government will update their national security approach in light of the recent United States National Security Strategy? The strategy's implications for Europe, including potential US interference in European politics and a lack of condemnation towards Russia, are concerning. I seek assurances on whether the UK will prioritise sovereign capabilities to signal its industry.
Question
In light of the US strategy's emphasis on defence spending, will the Minister confirm if the Government has a funded plan to hit 3% of GDP on defence by the end of this Parliament? Additionally, given concerns about China’s proposed super-embassy spy hub and Russian aggression in Ukraine, what specific actions is the UK taking?
Minister reply
The House has heard our commitment to increasing spend on defence as a percentage of GDP. We stand by that commitment under NATO agreements. On the proposed Chinese embassy, we liaise closely with the US on issues including China, but final decisions are made by relevant Ministers.
Question
Can the Minister reassure constituents that our sovereignty is not dependent on the US? Specifically, will she confirm that any capability dependent on the United States—whether in AI, quantum or defence—is not considered a sovereign capability?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her comments. Our relationship with the US includes respect and recognition of mutual interests and long-standing ties. Robust debate can take place in an environment of respect. Any capability that is dependent on the United States is scrutinised to ensure it does not compromise our sovereignty.
Question
Given Trump's document deriding Europe, will the Minister commit to an urgent review of UK’s approach to national security? Will she also state that her Government will not tolerate US interference in UK politics and restrict funding from external sources?
Minister reply
I disagree with some aspects mentioned. National security is our first priority and we regularly discuss matters with the US through NATO, Five Eyes, and other international institutions.
Question
Will the Minister tell us today when the Defence investment plan will be published?
Minister reply
The matter will be brought to the House by relevant Ministers. We recognise the importance of boosting our defence and security co-operation, including with European allies who are strong in their defence of Ukraine.
Question
Is it not more urgent than ever that we forge an independent foreign policy based on peace, co-operation, mutual development and respect for sovereignty and international law?
Minister reply
That is our foreign policy and it will always remain so.
Question
Can the Minister specifically give us guidance on whether we are sure that Trump will, after this statement, abide by article 5?
Minister reply
President Trump has been clear on the US’s commitment to NATO and article 5. The United States remains a strong, reliable and vital ally for the UK.
Question
Can the Minister assure me that the Government will scale up production of munitions today and if it comes to it, allocate labour as well as energy to produce what we need to win a war against Putin in Europe?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has been clear about the need for Europe to step up. We have made our own commitments in that respect.
Question
Why can Canada join SAFE procurement scheme but UK cannot?
Minister reply
We continue to work with the US, our European allies and other nations across the world to ensure that we have the security and defence capabilities we need.
Question
Does the Minister agree that the relationship with the US will outlast any one Administration or President?
Minister reply
The US is an indispensable ally. We have an enduring partnership built on deep security, intelligence and cultural ties.
Question
What are the Government going to do to protect the integrity of British democratic processes from a President who has a track record of denying democratic outcomes in his own country?
Minister reply
Ultimately it is for the US to set its own strategy, but when it comes to Europe, there are some things with which we agree and others with which we have disagreed.
Question
Does the Minister agree that there can be no deal affecting Ukraine without Ukraine?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend.
Question
Will the Minister urgently request an assessment from her colleagues in the Ministry of Defence of the risk posed by Russian hybrid threats?
Minister reply
We will continue to do all we can to ensure the security of everyone involved and must continue to work as an international community on this issue.
Question
Does the Minister agree that we must use all influence with US to step up financial pressure on Russia?
Minister reply
We will continue to work towards increasing defence spending as part of a stronger, fairer NATO.
Question
The United States is a long-standing and important ally. I invite the Minister to recognise the significant contribution that thousands of American service personnel make to our local communities socially, culturally and economically.
Minister reply
I am very happy to echo my hon. Friend’s sentiments and thank those US troops who also contribute to our security. The UK is deepening defence, security, and foreign policy ties with the United States in areas such as AUKUS, the carrier strike group's 8th deployment, and nuclear collaboration.
Question
Does the Minister not think that the Government’s response is extraordinarily low-key and acquiescent to a declaration by the US that it gives itself the right to interfere in the internal affairs of any country around the world with which it does not agree? Will she make any comment on what is an act of piracy in the Caribbean, where the US has seized and taken into custody an oil tanker?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman will have heard me say that while it is ultimately for the US to decide its own strategy, there are parts of it with which we disagree. The act was a decision taken by the US Department of Justice in co-ordination with other agencies.
Question
Does the Minister agree that the idea of this being a special relationship, which has endured for many decades, has now come to an end?
Minister reply
We commend and fully support President Trump’s efforts towards securing peace in Ukraine. The UK remains committed to working closely with the US on matters relating to Europe.
Question
The section on Europe talks of “civilisational erasure”. It says that within a few decades NATO members will be ‘majority non-European’. We need to recognise this for what it is. It is a document rooted in racist, white supremacist ideology, and it should be called out accordingly.
Minister reply
The hon. Member will have heard me say that I do not agree with the comments about civilisational erasure. We are proud of our country as a thriving multicultural society.
Question
What will she do to strengthen our diversity and response in this country against this really divisive ideology?
Minister reply
It is important that we have an environment where robust political debate takes place in an environment of respect, not divisiveness.
Question
What steps will the Minister take to ensure that we are committed to working together to deliver stronger outcomes for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, because Russia must be held accountable for the devastation that it has caused?
Minister reply
We continue to work closely with the US to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security through NATO in order to support Ukraine and hold Putin accountable.
Government Response
I thank my hon. Friend for his urgent question. The relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States has delivered security and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic for over a century, with deep defence, security, and trading links. While it is important to acknowledge areas of disagreement in the national security strategy, such as differing views on European security and Russian condemnation, our bond allows us to discuss and debate these issues while continuing to strengthen this vital relationship. The UK will continue to work closely with the US through NATO and other institutions to address shared objectives and promote economic cooperation.