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Written question asked by Steve Baker (Conservative) on Monday, 28 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 October 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

EU Defence Policy

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy to ensure the UK does not enter into permanent binding commitments within the EU's Permanent Structured Cooperation after the UK has left the EU.

Answer

The Government has made clear that EU defence initiatives should be: coherent with NATO requirements; available to NATO; and have the fullest participation of non-EU NATO Allies. Where these conditions are met, the UK can support the development of EU tools such as Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).

The UK has not joined PESCO as an EU Member State, but has expressed an interest in participating in capability development projects as part of the future partnership, on a voluntary and case-by-case basis, where this is of clear benefit to the UK. PESCO-participating Member States continue to negotiate the terms on which third countries might take part in PESCO projects.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6358
Session
2019-19
Subjects
EU defence policy Brexit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk