Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discussed community commemorations for allied troops and highlighted the importance of NATO under Labour.
I welcome Britain's renewed commitment to NATO but with the previous Government failing to deliver 2.5% of GDP spending, will the Secretary of State commit to working with Ministers after the defence review to ensure a timeline to deliver this as soon as possible?
We have undertaken a strategic defence review and will set out at an appropriate fiscal event in coming months a timetable to get to 2.5% of GDP on defence spending.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline for achieving the 2.5%
Set Out At An Appropriate Fiscal Event
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over the US Republican party's potential shift towards isolationism.
Does the Foreign Secretary share my concern about the US Republican party falling into isolationism, and what can we do to ensure our American allies understand that turning away from NATO could postpone a conflict?
Recognising different opinions within US political parties, I was pleased by recent actions, such as Donald Trump speaking to President Zelensky and providing $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the concern about isolationism or specific steps to prevent it.
Different Opinions Within Us Political Parties
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the security benefits of Ukraine joining NATO.
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Ukraine's NATO membership is vital for both its and Europe's security?
At the NATO summit, we set out an irreversible pathway to membership for Ukraine, emphasising that NATO spoke with one voice on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP, who served on NATO operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, asked about the commitment to 2.5% of GDP for defence spending.
Proud to have served on NATO operations, will the Foreign Secretary commit to a timeline at the earliest opportunity to ensure we do not cancel any defence projects and achieve 2.5% of GDP on defence spending as soon as possible?
Thanking for service, I remind that Labour was last to reach 2.5% on defence spending and we intend to get back there; plans will be announced at a future fiscal event.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or assurance against cancelling projects.
Future Fiscal Event
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomed Britain's renewed commitment to NATO but questioned the previous government's failure to meet the 2.5% of GDP spending target.
Welcoming Britain's renewed commitment to NATO, will the Secretary of State commit to working with Ministers after the defence review to ensure a timeline for delivering this as soon as financially possible?
Undertaken a strategic defence review, and we will set out at an appropriate fiscal event in coming months a timetable to get to 2.5% of GDP on defence spending.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or exact timeframe for announcement.
Strategic Defence Review
Appropriate Fiscal Event
Response accuracy