Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the decision taken by the US Government to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

We have regular and close dialogue with US and NATO partners at all levels on foreign and security policy questions, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Russia is engaged in a broad modernisation of its nuclear and missile forces and we share US concern at certain new Russian missiles. We believe the Treaty has played a valuable role in supporting Euro-Atlantic security and want to see it continue to stand but that requires all parties to abide by it. While the Treaty remains in force, the Government will continue efforts to bring Russia back into full and verified compliance. We will continue to work closely with US and other Allies on next steps.