Dear Constituent,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding European defence.

The Government has made it absolutely clear that the United Kingdom will not be part of any European Union defence capability and that NATO is the cornerstone of our security cooperation in Europe.

Our defence and intelligence services are a national responsibility and it is vital that the United Kingdom has a full range of defence options at hand to serve the interests of our country.

Please be assured that as we have left the EU, the United Kingdom will be able to refocus its priorities on defence cooperation with its partners to ensure we are in the best place to respond to emerging threats and challenges.

The Government has stated the UK’s unequivocal commitment to European defence and security in our common interest. Allies and partners have been sent a strong message that the result of the referendum of our departure will have no impact on any of our existing NATO commitments.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP