The UK will offer to contribute military assets to EU
operations, cooperate on sanctions and agree joint positions on
foreign policy as part of a deep security partnership with the EU
after Brexit, the Government will say today [Tuesday 12
September].
In a renewed demonstration of the UK’s commitment to
European security, the latest future partnership paper signals
the Government’s willingness to partner with the EU in the face
of ever-growing global threats.
It makes clear the UK will seek to use our assets,
capabilities and influence to combat the shared challenges facing
the continent —- including illegal migration, terrorism, cyber
and state-based threats and amounts to a security partnership
‘that is deeper than any other third country and that reflects
our shared interest’.
There is a significant amount of collaboration between the
UK and EU on defence, security and development.
The paper lays out how Britain will want to build a new
partnership with the EU that goes beyond existing third country
arrangements, and reflects our shared interests and values of
upholding democracy and protecting peace across Europe and the
world.
Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union said:
“After we leave the European Union we will continue to face
shared threats to our security, our shared values and our way of
life. It’s in our mutual interest to work closely with the EU and
its member states to challenge terrorism and extremism, illegal
migration, cyber-crime, and conventional state-based military
aggression.
“Today’s paper highlights Britain’s world class diplomacy
and defence capabilities, our leading contribution to
international development, and our desire to continue to use
these as part of a deep and special partnership with the
EU.”
Foreign Secretary said:
“As we leave the EU, the UK’s commitment to European
security is undiminished. We will pursue a global foreign policy,
and continue to work in partnership with our neighbours to
promote peace, democracy and security in our continent and across
the world.
“In recent years, the European Union has helped achieve
crucial foreign policy goals – from bringing Iran to the
negotiating table, to uniting in response to Russian aggression
in Ukraine. We want this EU role to continue after we
leave.
“This is why, in addition to stronger relations with EU
member states, we also envisage a strong UK-EU partnership on
foreign and defence policy following our departure. This will
allow us to continue our work in tackling the shared challenges
we face worldwide.”
Defence Secretary Sir said:
“At a time of increased threats and international
instability the UK remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold
European security. With the largest defence budget in Europe, the
largest Navy British troops and planes deployed across land, air
and sea in Europe, our role in the continent’s defence has never
been more vital.
“As we leave the EU, the UK and our European allies will
ensure a close partnership that meets these shared challenges
head-on.”
The paper highlights the UK's successful military
cooperation with the EU on tackling piracy off the Horn of
Africa, to joint defence projects with the EU — including the
Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
The UK has the largest defence budget and development
budget in Europe, and is the only European country that meets
both the NATO target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence,
with 20 per cent of this on equipment, and the UN target of
spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income (GNI) on
international development.
The UK has also committed to invest at least 50 per cent of
development spend in fragile states and regions. The UK and
France are the two European permanent members of the UN Security
Council and the only European countries with an independent
nuclear deterrent, while UK proscriptions and asset freezes are
the basis of many of the EU sanctions on terrorist
organisations.
