VerbatimParliament, as it happens

EU Defence Policy

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 11 December 2024UIN 18115

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on legacy UK obligations arising from the triggering by an EU country of Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union.

Answered by Luke Pollard

Since leaving the EU, there are no legacy UK obligations to respond to a trigger of Article 42 (7). NATO is the cornerstone of European defence. NATO Article 5 is the ultimate guarantor of all Allies’ ability to live freely and build a secure, more prosperous future for their people. An armed attack against one Ally is considered an attack against all. This principle binds NATO’s members together in a spirit of solidarity, committing them to protect each other. Our commitment to Article 5 is real, strong, and unbreakable.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim