Defence Relationships with European Allies 2022-12-12
2022-12-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question pertains to the UK's defence collaboration with Europe, specifically mentioning bilateral and multilateral efforts within NATO and other alliances.
What steps is his Department taking to strengthen defence relationships with European allies?
The UK works bilaterally and multilaterally through NATO and other groupings, including the Joint Expeditionary Force, the Northern Group and the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force with France. I recently met the new Italian Defence Minister to discuss Tempest and the security of the Mediterranean, and later today I will host the Hungarian Defence Minister as we seek to progress Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The questioner highlights the joint venture between UK, Italy, and Japan in the Tempest programme as an example of Brexit Britain and seeks support for a country-wide supply chain, including his constituency.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the joint venture between the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan in the Tempest programme for the new fighter jet is a great example of Brexit Britain? Will he also support ensuring that the supply chain that it will ultimately use is country-wide, including my Dudley constituency?
We are working with international partners on the Tempest programme and unlocking expert markets such as the Type-26, leading to tens of thousands of defence jobs in the UK. However, the Labour party struggles to understand this.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Support for a nationwide supply chain including Dudley constituency was not addressed specifically.
Attack
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question pertains to the UK's actions in increasing armament supplies for Ukraine as it prepares for a potential spring offensive, following Vladimir Putin's threat to starve and freeze Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin clearly plans to starve and freeze Ukraine this winter. What is being done to increase the number of armaments—not just from the UK but across Europe—so that Ukraine can gain ground now, not later?
We have set up a fund which has accrued €600 million including donations from Norway and the Netherlands. We are training Ukrainian forces in the UK to use weapons systems effectively. Continued work with international partners will ensure delivery of necessary armaments throughout next year.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy