The UK will pledge to deepen defence cooperation with our
European allies, as the UK continues to step up with allies on
European security and works to secure a just and lasting peace in
Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary MP will join his counterparts
from France, Germany, Italy and Poland in Paris today (Wednesday
12 March), where they will discuss strengthening deterrence
through NATO, boosting defence production and securing Ukraine's
future.
With discussions ongoing around a potential peace plan, all five
countries are in agreement that Ukraine must be at the heart of
any negotiations and that they must work together to put Kyiv in
the strongest possible position.
Yesterday, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony
Radakin joined his French counterpart to further discussions with
a coalition of nations who are willing and able to contribute to
Ukraine's future security.
Defence Secretary MP said:
“We are at a decisive moment for the future of Ukraine and for
the security of Europe. As E5 nations, we recognise we must take
on more responsibility for European security.
“The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, and we will
continue to lead alongside our European partners as we push for a
just and lasting peace.
“European nations are stepping up. By deepening our defence
cooperation, boosting spending, and enhancing our collective
strength, we send a clear message: we will not waver in standing
with Ukraine and defending our shared values.”
Ahead of the meeting at the Val-de-Grace chapel in Paris, the
group are expected to discuss ensuring Ukraine are at the heart
of any negotiations, whilst they will also focus on securing
robust security guarantees for Ukraine, if any peace agreement is
reached.
The Ministers will also discuss stepping up their own defences
and deterrent and tightening their military bonds.
The Defence Secretary has
previously said that it is time to rearm Britian and with
European nations echoing this commitment, the group will discuss
plans to boost their defence industrial bases, scaling up
production of weapons, whilst continuing to innovative in
emerging technology fields like cyber and artificial
intelligence.
The UK is already stepping up its defence base, with the Prime
Minister announcing the defence
budget will increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, whilst the
Government has also recently announced its
plans to launch a new hub to provide small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) with better access to the defence supply chain.
As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first
duty of the Government - and a strong economy is built on the
bedrock of strong security. Increased defence spending will
support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the whole
of the UK.
The Defence Secretary also met with his French counterpart on
Tuesday evening, where they discussed the British-Franco plan to
develop a coalition of the willing, to support Ukraine's future
security.
They also discussed rebooting Lancaster House collaboration, with
a focus on modernising the relationship, improving how our
militaries work together and stepping up the relationship between
our defence industries
