Defence: UK Relations with EU
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total administrative cost to the public purse of (a) negotiating and (b) implementing the Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union as of 9 January 2026.
Answered by Al Carns
The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May 2025 is an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.
The work and costs involved in negotiating and implementing the Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union are carried out as part of officials' routine duties. As such, the costs specific to negotiating and implementing the SDP cannot be calculated separately.
We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this Government’s NATO First defence policy. Any commitments made will be in support of our defence objectives and will provide value for the UK taxpayer.
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