Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

EU Defence and Security Agreement

Monday 24 March 2025 · 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

  • Dr Roz Savage inquired about strengthening defence procurement agreements with European partners to reduce reliance on the United States.
  • Josh Newbury questioned if collective support for Ukraine would be a major focus in discussions with EU counterparts.
  • Helen Maguire expressed support for the Government's commitment to strengthening defence ties with European partners but urged for faster progress.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Roz Savage Lib Dem South Cotswolds
Defence
Context

President Trump's unpredictability and shifting policies have raised concerns about defence reliance on the United States.

Question

Given President Trump’s increasing unpredictability and shifting policies, can the Secretary of State share how the Government are strengthening defence procurement agreements with European partners to enhance our capabilities and reduce our reliance on the United States?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

When I spoke last week with High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius, that was exactly what I discussed: closer defence collaboration that will see a stronger European effort, with the UK and the EU, but within the NATO framework, which is the cornerstone for all of us to keep ourselves safe.

Partly answered
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Q2 Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase
Ukraine
Context

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked support from constituents.

Question

My constituents have steadfastly supported the people of Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion. Can the Secretary of State confirm that collective support for Ukraine will be a major focus of his discussions with EU counterparts and that under this Government the UK will always lead the way in stepping up support for Ukraine?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

Indeed, I can. My hon. Friend makes an important point. This period is critical for Ukraine and for European security. I hope that he sees a UK Government who are stepping up to provide stronger support for Ukraine, co-ordinating allies to do more, stepping up on European security, and above all stepping up on defence spending.

Answered
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Q3 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Defence
Context

The government is committed to strengthening defence ties with European partners.

Question

We support the Government’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with our European partners, but they need to go further and faster to ensure that the UK does not get left behind. Has the Defence Secretary spoken with his counterparts in the EU about the value of the new stand-alone UK-EU defence pact, which will enable the UK to better influence decisions around new finance programmes, such as a rearmament bank to support defence investment across Europe?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)

Yes. Last week I met with High Representative Kallas and spoke with Commissioner Kubilius, and that was exactly the subject of our conversations.

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