Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for future association with the European Defence Agency; and if he will make a statement.

The UK remains committed to the defence and security of Europe, and protecting the interests of UK industry.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has a central coordinating role between EU Member States, the European Commission, and countries outside the EU (which must have an Administrative Arrangement with the EDA agreed by all participating Member States) in the development of defence capabilities. The level of future UK cooperation with the EDA will form part of the wider EU withdrawal considerations.