Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the costs of the UK–EU security and defence partnership announced on 19 May.

The UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership is an important agreement that will enable enhanced dialogue and cooperation on key issues including Ukraine, the Western Balkans, space, hybrid, maritime security and resilience of critical infrastructure, and military mobility. It also complements our relationship as a leading member of the Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization, the cornerstone of the UK's defence. There are no costs directly associated with the partnership. As we implement the partnership and take forward key areas of collaboration, I will ensure that any commitment - whether financial or non-financial - provides value to the UK taxpayer and delivers the UK's defence and security objectives.