Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which of the currently operational Type 23 frigates are not planned to contribute to NATO's Standing Maritime Groups.

The UK continues its active commitment to NATO. Currently, one Type 45 destroyer and an offshore hydrographic survey vessel are performing the role of flagship for two Standing NATO Maritime Groups, with a mine counter measures vessel also contributing. In addition to the Standing NATO Maritime Groups, naval Service personnel from all arms of the Service regularly participate in NATO exercises.

For security reasons, we do not disclose the detail of the future scheduling of Royal Navy units, as this would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.