§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
In view of the recent reports of official United States policy towards NATO, what contingency plans they are making and how such plans would affect the role and significance of Western European Union. [HL2883]
§ Lord GilbertThe Strategic Defence Review reaffirmed that NATO is the foundation of the security of Europe and of the United Kingdom, and will continue as the cornerstone of our defence planning. The transatlantic link remains fundamental to the Alliance. The Strategic Defence Review also reaffirmed the important role of the Western European Union in fostering defence co-operation among its members, in particular in conflict prevention and peacekeeping.