To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effects of permanent structured co-operation on the military capabilities of (a) the EU and (b) NATO; and if he will make a statement. (182334)

Permanent structured co-operation is a mechanism that could contribute to the development of military capabilities by EU member states. This is consistent with UK policy to encourage European nations to improve their national defence capabilities for the benefit of both the EU and NATO.