VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Indo-Pacific Region: Military Alliances

Asked by Stuart AndersonConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21508

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase defence partnerships between the UK and the Indo-Pacific Four.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The UK continues to strengthen defence partnerships with the Indo-Pacific Four (Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea) through regular defence engagement, joint exercises and capability cooperation. Examples include UK participation in Exercise VIGILANT ISLES with Japan and, most recently, Exercise PITCH BLACK with Australia. The UK is collaborating on capability with Japan through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and with Australia through AUKUS.

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