VerbatimParliament, as it happens

France: Military Alliances

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 21 April 2026UIN 127846

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost job as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, when the 50,000 strong combined joint force will reach full operational capability.

Answered by Luke Pollard

Following the UK-France Lancaster House 2.0 declaration in July 2025, the Ministry of Defence regularly engages with French counterparts on detailed planning for the Combined Joint Force (CJF). We are working together to define the timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability.

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