National Security Strategy

Debate between Baroness Winterton of Doncaster and Baroness Smith of Basildon

Thursday 26th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

The noble and gallant Lord raises an important point about relations with other countries. Our relationship with the Republic of Ireland is solid and welcome; indeed, I saw the Irish ambassador earlier this week and many Members of this House have a very strong relationship with Ireland. The noble and gallant Lord’s point about relationships, including with the Commonwealth, is extremely valid and the Government are committed to that. The issue around soft power and de-escalation is crucial. At the heart of a lot of what we are doing, including in the document, is de-escalation. Part of being resilient and having a strong diplomatic presence across the world is so that you can de-escalate.

The role that the Prime Minister has played recently, the visits he has made across the world and the bilateral and multilateral meetings he has had have been imperative to having the kinds of discussions that are needed to de-escalate. Very early on, I made a Statement on a similar issue and there were criticisms from some that the Prime Minister had made a number of overseas visits. When you visit and have meetings with other countries when relations are good, it helps you to have difficult discussions when things get more difficult and there are important international issues to be considered. The noble and gallant Lord is absolutely right. At the end of the day, this is overseen by the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary all have an important role as well.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, in the foreword to the strategy, the Prime Minister talked about strength on the international stage, which other noble Lords have raised. I make a plea to my noble friend that, as well as their strong support for NATO set out in the document, the Government should be clear that they want to strengthen the role of other international bodies such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. We can use those links with important international bodies and dialogue with other countries to improve our collective international security as well as our national security.

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

The noble Baroness makes an important point. A number of Members of this House are members of the OSCE, as she is, the Council of Europe and others, where those relationships at both individual and national level are hugely important. Earlier this week, an official spoke to the OSCE about our commitment to Ukraine, showing how important it is to be part of these organisations and to work together. So she is absolutely right; she has been quite an advocate for the OSCE in the House, as others have been for the Council of Europe and other organisations.

UK-EU Summit

Debate between Baroness Winterton of Doncaster and Baroness Smith of Basildon

Wednesday 21st May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

The noble Baroness highlights one of those issues that was never thought of as going to be a problem. I am pleased to hear that schools are still going on trips. I have heard of so many schools not undertaking trips because of the problems, with many schools cancelling trips because of the complications of taking them. I do not think it was discussed at this summit; it is not in the papers I have seen, but I will find out. I will certainly ensure that it is raised in the future.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, during the European Affairs Select Committee’s recent visit to Brussels, it became very clear that it was the constructive and positive attitude of this Government that was opening the way to meaningful discussions, particularly on defence and security. There are obviously some details to be ironed out, but can my noble friend the Leader set out what advice and processes there will be so that the UK defence industry can benefit from the partnership agreements on defence and the funds available?

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

I am grateful for that question and mindful that I did not properly answer the question on this point from the noble Lord, Lord Newby. When I was a Member of the other place, the defence industry was in my constituency, and I know that it is entrepreneurial, forward-looking and innovative. It does a great deal of technical research that has applications across the board, and the MoD will work with those companies. With the EU setting up the security action for Europe instrument, for which is proposed a €150 billion fund, we plan to make arrangements so that we can be part of it and benefit from it. Exports by the UK defence industry are going to benefit enormously from this, if we can ensure that its skills are recognised and we work in a joint partnership. It is that joint partnership that will allow us to bid for and be part of the €150 billion fund.