Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to deter Russian expansion in eastern Europe; and if he will make a statement.

The UK is one of four nations leading NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, providing the Framework Battalion in Estonia and a reconnaissance squadron in Poland, joining the US-led force there. These defensive but combat-capable forces deliver reassurance to our Allies and deterrence against Russian belligerence. Next year we are deploying Typhoon aircraft to Romania to deliver Southern Air Policing, and will lead NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force.