Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Healey and Roz Savage

Monday 24th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dr Roz Savage (South Cotswolds) (LD)]

12. If he will make it his policy to negotiate a defence and security agreement with the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)]

When the British public elected us as the new Government, we said that Labour will seek an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to strengthen co-operation on the threats that we face and will rebuild relationships with key European allies. With NATO as the cornerstone of our security in Europe, that is exactly what we are doing.

[Dr Savage]

I thank the Secretary of State for his response. Given President Trump’s increasing unpredictability and shifting policies, can the Secretary of State share how the Government are strengthening defence procurement agreements with European partners to enhance our capabilities and reduce our reliance on the United States?

[John Healey]

When I spoke last week with High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius, that was exactly what I discussed: closer defence collaboration that will see a stronger European effort, with the UK and the EU, but within the NATO framework, which is the cornerstone for all of us to keep ourselves safe.