France: AUKUS Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

France: AUKUS

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts
Tuesday 19th October 2021

(2 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Goldie Portrait Baroness Goldie (Con)
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As for the future, the UK will continue to engage with allies and partners regarding the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, whether that is through the FPDA, bilateral relationships or Five Eyes, to mention but a few. With regard to Five Eyes in particular, we are discussing the arrangement with Canada and New Zealand, because Five Eyes is a unique and highly valued partnership.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Portrait Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)
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My Lords, if this is a genuine defence and security treaty and not just a subterfuge to take the contract for submarines away from France, why are Canada and New Zealand not involved from the start, as the other two of the Five Eyes?

Baroness Goldie Portrait Baroness Goldie (Con)
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Because this new arrangement is predicated on the desire of another state—Australia—to make changes to its submarine fleet. That was not instigated by the United Kingdom; we were approached by Australia.