§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the discussions taking place, and the countries concerned, regarding the St. Malo declaration. [100835]
§ Mr. HoonAt St. Malo in December 1998, the UK and France launched a major initiative aimed at building European security and defence. In conjunction with the member states of the European Union, NATO and the Western European Union, we are continuing to make good progress both in defining the improvements in capabilities needed and the necessary consultation and decision-making arrangements for responding to crises. The UK and France made a joint declaration on 25 November calling for a further decisive step to be taken at the Helsinki European Council on 10–11 December.