Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Recent developments in the AUKUS strategic partnership

12 September 2024 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

DefenceForeign Affairs

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Government has appointed Sir Stephen Lovegrove as the UK's AUKUS Adviser to assess progress
  • The report will be completed rapidly and presented to key government officials for further action
  • The report will inform decisions within the Strategic Defence Review regarding AUKUS objectives

Issue summary

The statement provides an update on recent developments in the AUKUS strategic partnership.

Action requested

The Government has appointed Sir Stephen Lovegrove as the UK's AUKUS Adviser to assess progress against goals and identify barriers or opportunities. The report will be completed rapidly and presented to key government officials for further action within the Strategic Defence Review.

Key facts

  • Landmark export control changes were secured last month, easing licensing requirements for defence products between the UK, US, and Australia.
  • The AUKUS Nations Open General Licence was published on 16 August 2024.
  • An Agreement on Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion was signed on 5 August 2024.
  • These changes will support up to £500 million in UK defence exports annually and generate billions of dollars in trade across all three nations.
  • A Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period commenced at HMAS Stirling on 23 August 2024.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy