Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his Irish counterpart on translating joint activity under the EU Battlegroup System into a replacement UN framework; and if he will make a statement.

The Ministry of Defence maintains a constructive dialogue with Ireland, including a successful visit by the Minister of State in the House of Lords, The right hon. The Earl Howe PC, to Dublin on 3 October. Discussions for maintaining and increasing our future co-operation have covered a range of topics, including potential future co-operation on UN operations. The exact nature of the UK's relationship with the EU and commitments post 2019, including EU Battlegroups, are to be determined as part of negotiations.