Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 95
Strategic advantage for UK in collaborating with and eventually joining the Quad.
Conclusion
[While stressing the importance of AUKUS, the Refresh makes no mention of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) established in 2007 and renewed since 2017 between Australia, India, Japan and the United States. We heard differing opinions from witnesses on whether the UK should apply to join the Quad, with some strongly supporting UK membership, others suggesting that it is too early to consider this now and one group against the proposal altogether. While understanding the reservations,] we see advantage in working with the Quad to develop a coordinated strategy covering the whole Indo-Pacific maritime area, and applying to join the Quad at such time as the existing members feel is appropriate.
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating that membership of the Quad is not necessary but the UK will continue to work with Quad members bilaterally and multilaterally on critical issues.
Paragraph Reference:
95
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government partially agrees with the Committee’s recommendations relating to the Indo-Pacific Quad. The Indo-Pacific Quad members are already amongst the UK’s closest partners in the region, and we welcome the collaborative efforts of Australia, India, Japan, and the US on critical issues such as climate change, health security and maritime security and the importance of this grouping for our shared objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will continue to work with Quad members bilaterally and multilaterally on these issues. Membership of the Quad is not necessary for the UK to deliver this practical cooperation.