§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their analysis of the implications for United Kingdom and European defence policy and for global security of the proposals for the future of missile defence announced and underlined by President Bush; and what action they will take as a result of their analysis. [HL2028]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleWe have studied the ideas put forward by President Bush in his speech with great interest. We welcome the US commitment to further cuts in nuclear weapons and their commitment to consult with allies and Russia. We look forward to consultations with the US over the coming months as their ideas are developed. In these consultations we will take full account of any implications for UK security and defence policy, and we will work closely with the US as close allies with common strategic interests.