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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Louise Sandher-Jones (Labour) on Monday, 14 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Deployment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the United States Department of War’s Europe Posture Review on the UK’s commitment of a) air and b) land forces in Europe above current deployment levels.

Answer

The Department of War review will examine America's force posture and basing in Europe. The review has commenced and the US have assured us and our Allies that it is intended to strengthen NATO. Whilst we do not provide a running commentary on classified discussions held between NATO allies, constructive discussions between the UK, European Allies and the United States on burden sharing continue.

European Allies fully recognise the indispensable role the United States has played over many decades, and will continue to play, in keeping the Euro-Atlantic safe. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, Europe must move “from overdependence to interdependence” with the United States, with a stronger European contribution to NATO. At Ankara, European Allies showcased how we are stepping up and delivering our commitment to a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.

UK forces are on the frontline of NATO and will remain so. From our Carrier Strike Group deployed in the North Atlantic for the past three months, to the UK forces in Estonia. The Typhoons jets defending the skies over Romania, and the RAF P-8 Poseidon and Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft patrolling the Baltic Sea.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23081
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Armed forces Deployment Europe USA
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk