Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential economic benefits to the UK industrial base by fostering closer cooperation with EU defence initiatives.

The Ministry of Defence is dedicated to ensuring that defence is an engine for growth across the UK. The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union in May last year demonstrates this Government’s commitment to enhancing European security, fostering economic growth, and reinforcing NATO.

We will continue to collaborate with the EU and its Member States on defence and security, entering agreements only when they align with the national interest and deliver value for money to taxpayers.

This partnership, alongside closer cooperation with EU defence initiatives, will strengthen NATO, enhance European security, ensuring the continent is as safe as it needs to be.