Member

On the important point made by the noble Earl, Lord Leicester, about seeking consultation with and the approval of AUKUS partners before the treaty comes into force, the Government’s view is that this is unnecessary. Protections were designed and tested at the highest level of the US security establishment. As I have said, the US Administration have already publicly and categorically backed the deal. The agreement has also been publicly welcomed by Australia and all other Five Eyes allies, as well as other key international partners.