AUKUS Strategic Partnership 2024-10-14
2024-10-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The AUKUS partnership between the UK, US, and Australia is under scrutiny.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of progress on the AUKUS strategic partnership?
The UK is fully committed to the AUKUS partnership. On 26 September, the Secretary of State hosted the first AUKUS Defence Ministers' meeting outside the US. During that discussion, he provided direction and guidance to accelerate our taking advantage of the opportunities that this landmark partnership presents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment or progress details
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The importance of a cross-departmental approach to support the AUKUS deal in Barrow and Furness is highlighted.
Will he comment on the importance of that broad approach, which aims to make Barrow an even better place in which to live, work and raise a family, and will he meet me to discuss that further?
Both the Secretary of State and I have visited Barrow to see not only the incredible innovation in the shipyard there, but the amazing workforce who are putting together the nuclear submarines. The Government are indeed working across Departments, and with the local council and BAE Systems, to invest heavily in development of the shipyard and submarine facilities.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for meeting
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent AUKUS Defence Ministers communiqué outlined an investment of £7 billion from the UK, highlighting the need for a secure industrial base.
Will the Minister expand on his answer to the right hon. Member for New Forest East and describe how this investment in our defence capabilities will strengthen supply chains in places such as Billingham?
We are working together with industry to deliver a new defence industrial strategy, in particular to strengthen our resilience and innovation and to harness expertise, including in my hon. Friend's constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on supply chain impact or investment amounts
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
AUKUS partners have been discussing potential bilateral engagements.
What bilateral discussions the UK has had on this?
Those conversations have been taking place at official level within the Ministry of Defence and at political level, and we are continuing to work to bring those forward because if we want to buy the high-end war-winning kit that we need, the best way of doing that is to work with our partners.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or progress on discussions
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There are increasing geopolitical threats, raising concerns about the computer chip supply chain.
In light of the increasing geopolitical threats that we face, can the Minister give an update on the adequacy and resilience of the computer chip supply chain that backs up the UK military?
The hon. Member is right to highlight the fragility of the international supply chain in that area. More work is needed in this area, but we are acting on it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific update or assessment on adequacy and resilience
Response accuracy