Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Heappey and Giles Watling

Monday 13th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con)]

2. What recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of NATO in safeguarding the freedom and security of its members by political and military means.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (James Heappey)]

NATO remains the cornerstone of the UK’s defence and security. All allies stand steadfast to defend and deter threats to the Euro-Atlantic, underlined by our unwavering collective commitment to article 5 of the Washington treaty.

[Giles Watling]

With the EU leading the charge to support Ukraine and combat Putin’s horrific invasion, does my hon. Friend agree that the next Secretary-General of NATO should be, if not British, from a nation with real skin in the game such as Poland?

[James Heappey]

You will not be surprised, Mr Speaker, to know that I think there are a number of excellent candidates to be the next NATO Secretary General, and I absolutely agree that those who have been to the fore during the response to Ukraine and who have skin in the game, as my hon. Friend says, should be leading contenders.