Speaking in the House of Commons, Dr Roz Savage MP (LD, South Cotswolds) asked whether the government intends to make a formal UK-EU defence and security agreement a policy priority.
“When the British public elected us as the new Government, we said that Labour will seek an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to strengthen co-operation on the threats that we face and will rebuild relationships with key European allies,” Healey said.
“With NATO as the cornerstone of our security in Europe, that is exactly what we are doing.”
Dr Savage raised further concerns about uncertainty over US foreign policy, questioning how the UK is working with European partners to reduce dependency on the United States for defence procurement.
“Given President Trump’s increasing unpredictability and shifting policies, can the Secretary of State share how the Government are strengthening defence procurement agreements with European partners to enhance our capabilities and reduce our reliance on the United States?” she asked.
Healey confirmed that discussions have already taken place with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, focusing on closer European defence collaboration while maintaining NATO as the core framework for security.
“When I spoke last week with High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius, that was exactly what I discussed: closer defence collaboration that will see a stronger European effort, with the UK and the EU, but within the NATO framework, which is the cornerstone for all of us to keep ourselves safe,” he said.
Labour MP Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) asked whether support for Ukraine would remain a major focus of discussions with EU counterparts, given Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.
“My constituents have steadfastly supported the people of Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion. Can the Secretary of State confirm that collective support for Ukraine will be a major focus of his discussions with EU counterparts and that under this Government the UK will always lead the way in stepping up support for Ukraine?” he asked.
Healey assured Parliament that the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security, with increased defence spending and coordinated military assistance.
“Indeed, I can. My hon. Friend makes an important point. This period is critical for Ukraine and for European security. I hope that he sees a UK Government who are stepping up to provide stronger support for Ukraine, coordinating allies to do more, stepping up on European security, and above all stepping up on defence spending,” he said.
Liberal Democrat Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell) urged the government to push for a stand-alone UK-EU defence pact, arguing that Britain risks being left behind in future European defence investment initiatives.
“We support the Government’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with our European partners, but they need to go further and faster to ensure that the UK does not get left behind,” she said.
“Has the Defence Secretary spoken with his counterparts in the EU about the value of the new stand-alone UK-EU defence pact, which will enable the UK to better influence decisions around new finance programmes, such as a rearmament bank to support defence investment across Europe?”
Healey confirmed that the UK is actively engaged in these discussions, reiterating his recent talks with EU officials.
“Yes. Last week I met with High Representative Kallas and spoke with Commissioner Kubilius, and that was exactly the subject of our conversations,” he said.