Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NATO

Tuesday 30 July 2024 · 5 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to set out a timetable for reaching 2.5% of GDP on defence spending at a future fiscal event.
  • Foreign Secretary acknowledges differing opinions in US political parties but highlights recent supportive actions.
  • Foreign Secretary reiterates NATO's unified stance on an irreversible pathway to membership for Ukraine.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Defence
Context

The MP discussed community commemorations for allied troops and highlighted the importance of NATO under Labour.

Question

I welcome Britain's renewed commitment to NATO but with the previous Government failing to deliver 2.5% of GDP spending, will the Secretary of State commit to working with Ministers after the defence review to ensure a timeline to deliver this as soon as possible?

Answer from David Lammy

We have undertaken a strategic defence review and will set out at an appropriate fiscal event in coming months a timetable to get to 2.5% of GDP on defence spending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline for achieving the 2.5%

How: Set Out At An Appropriate Fiscal Event

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Q2 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP expressed concern over the US Republican party's potential shift towards isolationism.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary share my concern about the US Republican party falling into isolationism, and what can we do to ensure our American allies understand that turning away from NATO could postpone a conflict?

Answer from David Lammy

Recognising different opinions within US political parties, I was pleased by recent actions, such as Donald Trump speaking to President Zelensky and providing $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.

Not addressed: Did not address the concern about isolationism or specific steps to prevent it.

How: Different Opinions Within Us Political Parties

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the security benefits of Ukraine joining NATO.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Ukraine's NATO membership is vital for both its and Europe's security?

Answer from David Lammy

At the NATO summit, we set out an irreversible pathway to membership for Ukraine, emphasising that NATO spoke with one voice on this issue.

Answered
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Q4 Fred Thomas Lab Plymouth Moor View
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP, who served on NATO operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, asked about the commitment to 2.5% of GDP for defence spending.

Question

Proud to have served on NATO operations, will the Foreign Secretary commit to a timeline at the earliest opportunity to ensure we do not cancel any defence projects and achieve 2.5% of GDP on defence spending as soon as possible?

Answer from David Lammy

Thanking for service, I remind that Labour was last to reach 2.5% on defence spending and we intend to get back there; plans will be announced at a future fiscal event.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or assurance against cancelling projects.

How: Future Fiscal Event

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Q5 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Defence
Context

The MP welcomed Britain's renewed commitment to NATO but questioned the previous government's failure to meet the 2.5% of GDP spending target.

Question

Welcoming Britain's renewed commitment to NATO, will the Secretary of State commit to working with Ministers after the defence review to ensure a timeline for delivering this as soon as financially possible?

Answer from David Lammy

Undertaken a strategic defence review, and we will set out at an appropriate fiscal event in coming months a timetable to get to 2.5% of GDP on defence spending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or exact timeframe for announcement.

How: Strategic Defence Review, Appropriate Fiscal Event

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