NATO

Alistair Strathern, the Labour MP for Hitchin, asked the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Mr David Lammy, what steps he is taking to help strengthen NATO. In his response, Mr Lammy highlighted the UK's unwavering commitment to NATO, noting that one of his predecessors, Ernest Bevin, was instrumental in setting up the alliance. He stated that the recent NATO summit demonstrated that the alliance is "bigger, stronger and more united than ever," and that the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary continue to engage with allies. Mr Lammy also mentioned the government's commitment to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. Alistair Strathern welcomed Britain's renewed commitment to NATO under Labour, but expressed concern that the previous government had failed to deliver on the 2.5% of GDP spending commitment. He asked the Secretary of State to work with ministers to ensure a timeline is in place to achieve this target as soon as financially possible. Mr Lammy acknowledged Strathern's point and stated that the government's strategic defence review would set out a timetable to reach the 2.5% target at an appropriate fiscal event in the coming months. Sir Julian Lewis, the Conservative MP for New Forest East, raised concerns about the potential for renewed isolationism within the US Republican party. He asked the Foreign Secretary what can be done to impress upon the US the importance of remaining committed to NATO. Mr Lammy acknowledged Lewis' experience on these matters and noted that there are a range of opinions within both US political parties on these issues. Fred Thomas, the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, asked the Foreign Secretary if he agrees that Ukraine joining NATO is vital for the security of Ukraine and all European countries. Mr Lammy stated that it was right for the NATO summit to set out an "irreversible pathway to membership" for Ukraine, and that the alliance was able to speak with one voice on this issue. Stuart Anderson, the Conservative MP for South Shropshire, welcomed the 2.5% of GDP commitment and asked the Foreign Secretary to commit to a timeline to ensure that defence projects are not cancelled and the target is met as soon as possible. Mr Lammy reiterated that the plans to reach the 2.5% target would be announced at a future fiscal event, and gently reminded the MP that the last government to achieve this level of defence spending was a Labour government.