Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bridgen Excerpts
Monday 18th February 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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We have never as a nation shied away from our obligations, and there has been a clear understanding that Britain will stand with our European friends and neighbours in delivering security. Our commitment to security on the continent of Europe was there long before the creation of the European Union or our membership of it, and long before the creation of NATO. We have always been there, and we always will be.

Andrew Bridgen Portrait Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)
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Will my right hon. Friend clarify for the House that it is in fact NATO, not the European Union, that has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of European security and defence?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. When we speak to the new nations that have been created out of the collapse of the Soviet Union, to which organisation do they turn to guarantee their security? It is NATO.