Luke Akehurst
Main Page: Luke Akehurst (Labour - North Durham)Department Debates - View all Luke Akehurst's debates with the Ministry of Defence
(2 days ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Louise Sandher-Jones
I will not intrude in relations among those on the Opposition Benches, but I understand that the Liberal Democrats have heard the hon. Member’s point. As he knows, we are big believers in NATO first, not NATO only; I take his point.
Luke Akehurst (North Durham) (Lab)
Last year, the UK agreed a security and defence partnership with the EU as part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening European security, supporting economic growth and reinforcing NATO. Will the Minister set out what dialogue has happened since then to implement the partnership?
Louise Sandher-Jones
It is important to note that the defence industry in the UK can still participate under standard third-country terms. Since then, we have continued to work with our EU partner nations on a variety of different mechanisms, whether through NATO or through our bilateral arrangements.