§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to consult Russia in the process of NATO's review of its Strategic Concept; [40380]
(2) what plans he has to revise the nuclear paragraphs of the current NATO Strategic Concept; [40382]
(3) what plans he has to table proposals on the review of NATO's strategy; and if he will make a statement; [40381]
(4) when there will be a NATO military strategy review as outlined in MC 400–1; and if it will be a parallel process to the review of the Strategic Concept. [40387]
§ Dr. ReidNATO Heads of State and Government have directed an examination, and update as necessary, of all aspects of NATO's 1991 Strategic Concept to: ensure that the Strategic Concept is fully consistent with NATO's new security situation and challenges; confirm the Allies' commitment to the core function of Alliance collective defence and the indispensable transatlantic link; preserve those aspects of the Strategic Concept that are consistent with the existing and foreseeable strategic environment and other NATO decisions and declarations since 1991; take account of the changes in the European security environment since 1991; and take into account the internal and external adaptation of the Alliance and its assumption of new roles and missions, including all relevant Ministerial decisions since 1991, while recognising that the process of transformation is an ongoing one and that the Alliance must be prepared to meet the risks and challenges of the future. The UK will play a full part in the work of the relevant political and military NATO bodies, the results of which will be presented to NATO Heads of State and Government when they meet next year. Changes in the Strategic Concept will be reflected in revisions of other documents, including the North Atlantic Military Committee's classified Directive for Military Implementation of Alliance Strategy (MC 400/1). Countries participating in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council will be kept informed of progress in the process as appropriate, but will not be consulted, since the Strategic Concept is an internal NATO matter and decisions will be taken on the basis of consensus among current Allies.