Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the practicalities of future defence co-operation between the UK and the EU, in the event that the UK no longer participates in the Common Security and Defence policy; and if he will make a statement.

The UK will pursue a distinctive, independent, and sovereign foreign and defence policy that meets British interests and promotes our values. The Political Declaration negotiated with the EU recognises the shared threats and values of the UK and Europe and provides a framework for an ambitious, broad and flexible future relationship.