Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations he has made to NATO on the importance of continued cooperation under the Open Skies Treaty.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has raised this with his US counterpart and senior Government officials have also done so with theirs. We have also discussed this with other NATO Allies. In our representations we have emphasised that we believe the Treaty remains a valuable Confidence and Security Building Measure which contributes to military transparency and reducing the risk of conflict.