Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asks about steps taken to strengthen NATO unity, referencing recent actions and the upcoming Vilnius leaders' summit.
What recent steps has his Department taken to strengthen NATO unity? The MP notes that Finland's accession was a result of successful lobbying at the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting on 15-16 June. He asks about further initiatives to enhance alliance solidarity.
I regularly engage with NATO allies, including most recently at the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting where we demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine. We successfully lobbied for Finnish NATO membership and hope to achieve similar success for Sweden soon.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific details on future plans or further steps taken to strengthen NATO unity beyond recent successes.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about a newly agreed NATO maritime centre based in the UK, questioning whether it is part of a long-term plan and seeking more details.
Welcoming the announcement at the NATO Defence Ministers' conference that NATO has agreed a new UK-based maritime centre to support undersea infrastructure security, can my right hon. Friend assure me that this new centre is part of a long-term alliance plan? Can he provide further details on its role?
I am delighted that NATO will host its new Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure in the UK. The centre is part of NATO's long-term plan to secure undersea infrastructure, bringing together allies and industry for greater situational awareness and intelligence sharing.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about a resolution passed by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to create a democracy resilience centre, asking for efforts at the upcoming summit to persuade the last member nation to agree.
Noting that NATO was created to protect democracy and safeguard values underpinning it, I reference a resolution from a year ago proposing a democracy resilience centre within NATO. Understanding this has been agreed by all nations but one, can the Secretary of State put effort behind persuading that member at the upcoming summit?
I think it is best if I write to the right hon. Member about the details and will look into it, happy to discuss what needs progress with him. We aim to get to the bottom of this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a commitment or timeline for persuading the remaining member nation but offers to write and discuss details.
Response accuracy