Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Dunne Excerpts
Monday 14th January 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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As I am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware, 90% of our industrial collaboration with other European countries on defence is actually on a bilateral basis, not through the European Union. I imagine that that pattern will go long into the future. When we look at the defence of Europe, is it based on the European Union or on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation? I would argue it is based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, not the European Union.

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con)
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Will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity, in the light of tomorrow’s important votes, to explain his view of the claims made by some observers outside this place that the defence and security clauses of the withdrawal agreement would somehow cede control over defence operations and military procurement from Her Majesty’s Government to EU institutions?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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I absolutely reassure the House that that is not going to happen. Our sovereign capability and sovereign control over our military and intelligence is something that will always be protected.