§ 2. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom commitment to the defence of Northern Europe.
§ Mr. StanleyThere is a strong United Kingdom commitment, through NATO, to the defence of the NATO countries of northern Europe. This commitment is reflected in the fact that 3 Commando Brigade, as part of the United Kingdom/Netherlands amphibious force, and the United Kingdom mobile force have the reinforcement of the northern region as their principal role. The United Kingdom also makes a significant contribution to the Allied Command Europe mobile force which has options to deploy there. In addition, RAF Jaguars are specifically assigned to the northern region, and Harriers and Tornados are assigned to SACEUR's strategic air reserve which could also be deployed there.