§ Sir Geoffrey Johnson SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the relationship between United Kingdom membership of(a) the WEU and (b) NATO in respect of United Kingdom security policy. [5723]
§ Mr. Tony LloydNATO is the foundation of our defence and security. The Western European Union (WEU) is developing its capacity to contribute to European security and plays a key role in building the European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) within the Alliance. It is pursuing its operational development as a means for Europeans to run crisis management operations, including operations using NATO assets and capabilities. The requirement that full members of the WEU are also NATO members, and the role of WEU in the arrangements for ESDI in the Alliance, mean that action taken by the WEU must be consistent with obligations in NATO.