§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has held with President Prodi on the establishment of a European army. [84092] The Prime Minister: There is no question of creating a European army and there have therefore been no discussions on this matter with Mr. Prodi. We have, of course, already identified a need for renewed debate on European Union common foreign and security policy and the statement of principles agreed at the British-French Summit at St. Malo was an important step forward. Our aim is clear: to enable the European Union to have a more united and influential voice in world affairs. This must be backed up, when the need arises, by effective military capability. We are taking a leading role in this debate. We have, however, made clear that the deployment of forces must remain a decision for national Governments.