On Wednesday 15 October, the House of Lords International
Relations and Defence Committee continues its inquiry into
the UK-US relationship with two panels of expert witnesses
examining key aspects of transatlantic defence cooperation.
The first session will consider the broader strategic and
institutional dimensions of the transatlantic defence
relationship, including the role of NATO, shared security
priorities, and the impact of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The second session will focus on procurement and collaboration in
specific defence programmes, with particular attention to the
AUKUS security partnership.
The first session will start at 2.00pm, followed by the
second session at 3.00pm. Both will be available to watch live or
on demand at Parliament
TV or attend in person in Committee Room 3, Palace
of Westminster.
Giving evidence will be:
2.00pm
-
Franklin Miller, Principal, the Scowcroft
Group; and
-
Lauren Speranza, Fellow with the Transatlantic
Defense and Security Program, Center for European Policy
Analysis (CEPA).
3.00pm
-
Sophia Gaston, Research Fellow, Centre for
Statecraft & National Security and Senior Advisor, Asia
Group.
Questions will include:
- What aspects of the UK-US defence partnership have made it
distinctive or particularly effective compared with other
bilateral defence relationships?
- To what extent do UK and US defence priorities currently
align, and in which areas do they differ? Which US defence
priorities or trends are expected to continue beyond the current
Administration?
- Which areas offer the greatest potential for closer
collaboration in the years ahead, irrespective of who sits in the
White House?
- What are the main benefits and risks for the UK in deepening
defence collaboration with the US under AUKUS, and how well
aligned are the three partners' deterrence objectives and
strategic priorities?
