Catherine pressed the Defence Secretary on Britain’s defence and security partnerships with our European partners as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to threaten the continent. 

The war in Ukraine represents the most significant security threat in generations, placing an added emphasis on the importance of European cooperation. However, the UK is no longer a part of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, with the onus on the UK to strengthen defence and security ties with our closest neighbours.

Opening her question, Catherine said that the visit of Ukrainian leader President Zelensky “highlights how vital a collective approach is to our national defence and security”.

Applying this principle to our closest neighbours, Catherine asked: “what steps is the Government taking to ensure we have security and defence agreements in place with our nearest allies in Europe in response to Russian aggression?”

In response, the Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace MP, pointed to the work of NATO and the UK’s partnership with Sweden and Finland.

Speaking after the question, Catherine said: 

“Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine has underlined the necessity of close defence and security relations with our partners in Europe. 

“However, the Government has not been proactive enough in pursuing new collaboration with our closest neighbours. We must rebuild these relationships. I support Labour’s proposal of a new UK-EU Security Pact to ensure we secure wide and deep security cooperation with our neighbours in the face of Russian aggression.”