International Immunities and Privileges

The Government's position was presented by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Catherine West. She explained that in December 2022, the UK, Japan and Italy launched the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to deliver a next-generation aircraft by 2035. The signing of the convention establishing the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) took place in December 2023, and the order before the House would confer the necessary legal capacity, privileges and immunities on the GIGO to enable it to operate effectively in the UK. West emphasized that the programme would showcase UK leadership and innovation in the air force defence industry on a global stage. Responding for the official opposition, James Cartlidge, the shadow Secretary of State for Defence, expressed support for the measures, recognizing them as necessary to deliver the administrative governance of GCAP. However, he urged the Government to back the GCAP programme wholeheartedly by ensuring it has the necessary funding, warning that any delay or deferment could undermine the programme. Cartlidge argued that withdrawing from GCAP would be akin to scrapping the Spitfire programme in the 1930s, and stressed the military, economic and strategic benefits the programme would bring to the UK. The debate that followed covered a range of topics. Several members, including Mark Francois and Andrew Murrison, emphasized the importance of the programme for the UK's defence capabilities and international partnerships, warning that cancellation would have severe consequences. The SNP spokesperson, Dave Doogan, also voiced strong support for the programme, highlighting its vital role in maintaining the UK's sovereign air capability and defence industrial base. The issue of funding was a key point of discussion, with Cartlidge and others expressing concern that the Government's hesitation on committing to the 2.5% of GDP defence spending target could jeopardize the programme's funding. The new Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, was urged to ensure the programme's funding is secured. The debate also touched on the potential for collaboration with other European programmes, such as the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS), and the need for interoperability. The location of the GIGO headquarters in the UK was also discussed, with the SNP spokesperson advocating for it to be based in Edinburgh, given the city's role in the programme's development. Overall, the debate demonstrated strong cross-party support for the GCAP programme, with members emphasizing its importance for the UK's defence capabilities, industrial base, and international partnerships. The key concerns centered around securing the necessary funding and ensuring the programme's long-term viability in the face of potential budgetary pressures and the ongoing defence review.