European Council 2016 Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

European Council 2016

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Monday 19th December 2016

(8 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Ah, yes, the good doctor. Dr Julian Lewis.

Julian Lewis Portrait Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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We see EU countries dangerously duplicating NATO’s structures, but without American participation. Would it not do much more for the defence of Europe if France and Germany, and other EU states that are members of NATO, spent a minimum of 2% of their GDP on defence?

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait The Prime Minister
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I agree with my right hon. Friend. We want to see other countries step up to the plate. This country is spending 2% of its budget on defence; we think that others should be doing the same, and I have been encouraging them to do so.