Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gerald Howarth and Lord Evans of Rainow

Monday 16th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)]

17. What steps he is taking to seek the modernisation of NATO.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Gerald Howarth)]

The UK is playing a leading role in the push to modernise NATO through the reform of its supporting agencies and improving its financial management and programming. The UK is also a leading proponent of important work to streamline NATO’s command structure. We hope to reach final agreement at a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers next month, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be attending.

[Mr Howarth]

My hon. Friend makes a very important point, but I suggest to him not only that article 5 is absolutely central to NATO’s mission but that since 1989, as Afghanistan, the anti-piracy operations in the Arabian sea and the Libyan operation have shown, NATO has already developed remarkable flexibility and is working with other institutions, most notably the European Union, where we are seeking to ensure there is no duplication.

[Graham Evans]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that NATO remains the cornerstone of the UK’s defence, and will he resist any attempt by the EU to challenge that position?

[Mr Howarth]

I am very happy to give my hon. Friend that categorical assurance on behalf of the entire Government.