This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
After transition the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provisions no longer apply to the UK and formal cooperation in these areas does not form part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached at the end of December 2020. Instead, the UK Government envisages a flexible, ad hoc approach that will make use of channels of broader dialogue with the EU. How this will work in practice remains to be seen.
After nearly two years of negotiation, on 5 November 2020 the EU agreed the rules on third state participation in its defence capability development initiative: PESCO. Post Brexit, those rules will now apply to the UK.
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Research Briefing
There are 14 British Overseas Territories across the globe with a total population of 260,000. The Territories differ greatly in their level of economic and social development and their population size. Since March 2020 the UK Government has been working with the Overseas Territories to ensure they receive the help they need to manage outbreaks of Covid-19.
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Insight
The ICC will not conduct a full investigation. What was said about serious crimes? And the Overseas Operations Bill?
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Debate Pack
A general debate on Global Britain has been scheduled for Monday 11 January 2021 in the Main Chamber
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Research Briefing
The Royal Navy has in recent years expanded its fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). This short paper discusses the expansion of the fleet, their historic role in fishery protection and global deployments.
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Research Briefing
This paper briefly examines the UK's nuclear weapons policies, capabilities and programmes. It is one paper in a larger series on the nuclear weapon states.
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Research Briefing
The next five-yearly Armed Forces Bill is due in 2021. The Government has said it will use the bill to further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law. This Commons Library paper explains what the Covenant is, its current status in law and the Government’s proposals.
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Research Briefing
A look ahead to the UK Government's integrated review of security, defence and foreign policy.
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Debate Pack
A general debate on 'Remembrance, UK Armed Forces and Society' is scheduled to take place in the Main Chamber on Wednesday 11 November 2020.
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Research Briefing
Constituents may contact their Member of Parliament seeking advice on military medals. This briefing provides information on eligibility for military medals and how to apply.
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Research Briefing
This briefing paper details the support available to armed forces veterans in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Research Briefing
The Public Bill Committee for the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill concluded on 22 October 2020. Despite a significant number of tabled amendments to Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill, no changes were made. The Bill is not without controversy and MPs are expected to return to some of its more contentious provisions when it comes back to the Floor of the House. Report Stage is scheduled for 3 November 2020.
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Research Briefing
The French nuclear deterrent is the one that is most often compared to the UK’s nuclear forces. While there are similarities in terms of policy, posture and size, there are also significant differences in terms of industrial support and cost. In contrast to the UK all of the major political parties in France support an independent nuclear deterrent, and domestic support is high. This paper examines the French nuclear deterrent in greater detail. It is also part of a wider Library briefing series on nuclear weapons.
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