Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any countries other than Japan have expressed an interest in joining the AUKUS partnership.

We remain in close communication with our allies and partners across the full breadth of our defence and security relationships, including discussion of AUKUS Pillar Two. AUKUS partners will begin consultations this year with prospective collaborators, including Japan, to explore areas where they potentially could contribute to, and benefit from, individual Pillar Two projects. Pillar One, to deliver conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) to Australia, is not open to other countries.