§ 21. Mr. Bernard JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in how many countries overseas United Kingdom armed forces are currently serving; and if he will make a statement on the global role of the United Kingdom armed forces. [8991]
§ Mr. SoamesBritish service personnel are currently providing a UK military presence either on operations or at permanent bases in 18 countries outside the United Kingdom.
Our armed forces are deployed around the globe to protect the interests of the United Kingdom and our dependent territories; to contribute to operations under international auspices, in particular those of NATO, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and to promote and sustain international peace and stability.