Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether she plans for a continued UK presence in the Baltic following the conclusion of the current six-month patrol by HMS Westminster.

The UK has a longstanding and enduring commitment to the Baltic Sea Region with a significant presence most notably within Estonia. The UK plays a leading role in NATO's Deterrence and Defence strategy by providing the Framework Headquarters and Battlegroup of around 850 personnel in Estonia. This capable force is augmented by an annual rotation of Apache Attack helicopters and Wildcat Lynx multirole helicopters. The UK contributes to the NATO air policing mission and our long-term commitment will see forces deployed in Estonia in 2019 and 2022, Lithuania in 2020 and Romania in 2021. The UK led Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) deployment to the Baltic Sea Region over 20 May - 12 July demonstrates the UK's focus upon the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic and High North regions as we integrate partnering nations' capabilities