Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Geelong Treaty Contingent Liability

01 September 2025 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

DefenceParliamentary Procedure

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK's participation in the AUKUS security partnership gives rise to a contingent liability related to the Geelong Treaty with Australia.
  • The Minister is submitting a Departmental Minute to Parliament detailing this contingent liability.
  • HM Government will assume this liability upon the Geelong Treaty coming into effect.

Issue summary

The statement addresses a contingent liability arising from the UK's participation in the AUKUS security partnership, specifically related to the Geelong Treaty signed with Australia.

Action requested

The Minister is laying a Departmental Minute before Parliament describing the contingent liability that HM Government will take on upon entry into force of the Geelong Treaty. This action follows usual practice and requires at least 14 parliamentary sitting days from the date of the minute's submission.

Key facts

  • AUKUS is an enhanced security partnership between Australia, UK, and USA.
  • The first initiative is supporting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines (SSN-AUKUS).
  • An indemnity will be provided by both countries related to SSN-AUKUS build programmes.
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