Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

EU Security and Defence Co-operation

Tuesday 26 November 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Foreign Secretary attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 14 October and agreed with Josep Borrell to work towards a security partnership and committed to six-monthly foreign policy dialogues starting in early 2025.
  • The Minister stated that the UK has a thriving trading and investment relationship with the United States and looks forward to working with President-elect Trump on policy priorities and improving trading relations.
  • The Minister explained that the UK-Germany bilateral defence agreement fits naturally with the UK's NATO membership and enhanced dialogue with the EU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP inquires about discussions with EU counterparts on security and defence cooperation following recent events.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with his EU counterparts on security and defence co-operation?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The Foreign Secretary attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 14 October. In the margins, he agreed with Josep Borrell to work towards a security partnership and committed to six-monthly foreign policy dialogues starting in early 2025. Yesterday, I met Secretary-General Sannino of the European External Action Service to discuss shared interests including Ukraine, hybrid threats, and the western Balkans.

Answered
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Q2 James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes
Brexit Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

Concerns arise over President-elect Trump's tariffs on Canada, questioning the future of US relations with UK. The MP asks about closer cooperation with the EU.

Question

President-elect Trump's confirmation of tariffs on Canada raises concerns about his willingness to honour the US-UK special relationship. Does the Minister agree that closer co-operation with the EU on defence and trade is needed, including access to the European customs union?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

We have a thriving trading and investment relationship with the United States. We look forward to working with President-elect Trump, including on policy priorities and improving our trading relations. Our need to work together in Europe on security issues is clear for all Members.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding closer cooperation with the EU was not addressed directly.

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Q3 Phil Brickell Lab Bolton West
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP welcomes the recent UK-Germany bilateral defence agreement, signed at Trinity House. He asks about its alignment with wider discussions.

Question

Can the Minister explain how the UK-Germany bilateral defence agreement fits into wider discussions with EU and NATO counterparts around defence and security?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks; we continue to engage with German colleagues from across the spectrum. We are keen to get this treaty agreed as soon as possible, fitting naturally with our NATO membership and enhanced dialogue with the EU.

Answered
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