Strengthening NATO 2025-01-14
2025-01-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
NATO has been a cornerstone of security for the Euro-Atlantic region for 75 years. The President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has made statements about territorial acquisition that could affect NATO members like Denmark, Greenland, and Canada.
What discussions have you had with NATO allies on strengthening the alliance? What discussions does the Foreign Secretary plan to have with the President-elect of the United States about the status of Denmark, Greenland, and Canada? Will the Foreign Secretary remind President-elect Trump that his pronouncements on expanding US influence are watched by adversaries?
NATO is the cornerstone of UK and Euro-Atlantic security. We regularly discuss NATO with our allies; NATO Foreign and Defence Ministers meet three times a year. The future of Greenland’s constitutional arrangements is a matter for Denmark and Greenland. It would be wrong to speculate on policy decisions by the incoming US Administration. I met with the Greenlandic Foreign Minister yesterday to discuss these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has appointed Lord Peter Mandelson as the new ambassador to Washington DC, which is an unusual decision given his lack of a traditional diplomatic career. This raises concerns among critics and parliamentary committees.
May I congratulate the Foreign Office on the inspired appointment of our new ambassador in Washington DC? To silence critics and show respect to Parliament and its Committees, will the Foreign Office agree that Lord Mandelson should come before my Committee before leaving for the United States?
We are convinced that Lord Mandelson will do an excellent job as our representative in Washington. It was a pleasure to meet him last week to discuss his plans. Obviously we have one ambassador at a time, but I am sure that we will consider any request from the Committee in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to allow Lord Mandelson to appear before the committee was not directly confirmed.
We Have One Ambassador At A Time
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Ministers have failed to provide answers about the future security and costs involved with the proposed treaty concerning the UK military base on Diego Garcia. There are concerns that the new US Administration under President-elect Donald Trump may affect this.
Given the importance of Indo-Pacific security alliance, will the Minister give a straight answer? Will he make a commitment to wait until President Trump is in office and has had time to discuss this deal with his team before finalising any agreement with Mauritius?
The Indo-Pacific security alliance is paramount. We have made commitments to secure the future of the Diego Garcia base and have support from the US Administration and national security apparatus. We will come forward with details in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to delay finalising agreement until after new US administration is not directly confirmed.
We Will Come Forward With Details In Due Course
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has made unpredictable statements about territorial acquisition, tariffs on neighbouring countries, and his approach to international relations.
May I ask what steps your Government has taken to 'Trump-proof' UK foreign policy? What specific steps have been taken to accelerate an improvement in UK’s relationship with European partners since 5 November?
We have made commitments to European security through NATO and shown leadership in tackling Russian shadow fleets. The special relationship with the US will endure, and we look forward to working with President-elect Trump and his team on a range of issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on specific steps taken to 'Trump-proof' foreign policy are not provided.
The Special Relationship Will Endure
Response accuracy