11. To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect of the common security and defence policy as defined in the treaty of Lisbon on UK defence policy. (210800)

I welcome the Lisbon Treaty since it reflects UK objectives of ensuring the development of a flexible, robust and NATO friendly European Security and Defence Policy. This includes keeping the key principle of unanimity for ESDP decision making. The Lisbon Treaty clearly states that the provisions

“do not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of the member states”.