Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following their announcement to increase defence spending, what steps they are taking to ensure that diplomatic solutions remain at the forefront of their approach to international relations.

His Majesty's Government is responding to a period of profound change, with conflicts overseas undermining security and prosperity at home. This Government will continue using diplomatic solutions in a multidisciplinary approach to achieve our interests. We are reinforcing our relationships. The Prime Minister hosted European leaders to deliver on European security. The Foreign Secretary is driving collective efforts on Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan with the G7. This Government is developing deeper relations around the globe, reopening negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with India, signing a UK-South Africa Growth Plan and new Strategic Partnerships with Indonesia and Nigeria. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, we remain committed to upholding the international system, supported by the UK's network of diplomats. We are investing in a College of Diplomacy, ensuring the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office remains ready for the future.