Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening NATO Unity

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Clarkson asked about steps being taken to help NATO allies conclude that Ukraine belongs in the NATO family.
  • The Prime Minister mentioned that at the Vilnius summit, NATO leaders agreed Ukraine would join when conditions are met and allies agree.
  • Andrew Bridgen inquired if the Government would support Ursula von der Leyen's bid to become NATO Secretary-General.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Clarkson
Ukraine
Context

Chris Clarkson followed up to understand the specific steps being taken to ensure other NATO allies align with the UK's view that Ukraine should be part of NATO.

Question

The Prime Minister has made it very clear that the UK's position is that Ukraine belongs in the NATO family. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to help our other NATO allies to reach the same conclusion?

Answer from Leo Docherty

At the historic summit in Vilnius, NATO leaders agreed that Ukraine would become a member of NATO at a time when allies agree and “conditions are met”. Like the Foreign Secretary, I will continue to engage with NATO allies and with Ukraine, not least because we know that Ukraine is a hugely valuable and courageous partner in the defence of freedom.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Andrew Bridgen Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Andrew Bridgen questioned the Government's stance on supporting or opposing Ursula von der Leyen's bid to become the next Secretary-General of NATO, citing her past failures as Germany's Defence Minister.

Question

Will the Minister inform the House whether the Government will be supporting or opposing Ursula von der Leyen's bid to become the next Secretary-General of NATO? Given her lamentable performance as Germany's Defence Minister, I would urge the latter, but it is clear that she has preferment, and despite all her failures she has always failed upwards.

Answer from Leo Docherty

No.

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about whether the government would support or oppose Ursula von der Leyen's bid, but was answered with a single word without elaboration or explanation.

How: Generic Answer

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)